CM rejects Lyari University VC's resignation

Shah asks Dr Hussain Mehdi to continue work

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has rejected the resignation of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari Vice Chancellor Dr Hussain Mehdi and directed him to continue working, sources said on Friday.

The chief minister met Dr Mehdi at his office on Friday morning, with the meeting lasting around 45 minutes. CM Shah heard the VC's detailed account of the situation at the university and reviewed measures taken by its administration to improve academic and administrative affairs.

The meeting also discussed action against employees allegedly involved in ghost employment and other irregularities. Instead of accepting the resignation, the chief minister directed Dr Mehdi to continue his work and further improve the university's performance, sources said.

Dr Mehdi had tendered his resignation after alleged external pressure over the university administration's action against employees accused of irregularities and demands for their reinstatement.

Following the rejection of the resignation, the university administration has decided not to hold talks with former employees who were dismissed after allegations against them were established, sources said.

The administration has also decided in principle to initiate disciplinary proceedings against university employees who participated in protests alongside the dismissed workers, citing the need to maintain an academic environment and ensure academic excellence.

The controversy reportedly began during a Syndicate meeting when an MPA and an associate professor, who was also a Syndicate member, became involved in an attempt to bring a dismissed employee into the meeting. A group of university employees later joined the protests and demanded the removal of the university registrar.

The protesting employees alleged that the registrar was affiliated with a political party.