Reversing modernisation?: Pro-chancellor vows to bring ‘visible changes’ to IIUI

Unexpectedly lands in the country after former rector was sent on ex-Pakistan leave.

ISLAMABAD:

The recent change of face at the top might be the first of many others to come at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). Pro-chancellor IIUI Dr Sulaiman Abdullah Abal-Khail on Wednesday confirmed this as he vowed to bring visible change in the university.

The pro-chancellor who was appointed by President Zardari in December 2011, landed in Pakistan after the former rector of IIUI Prof. Dr Fateh Mohammad Malik was sent on ex-Pakistan leave on the recommendation of the Saudi embassy.  Saudi diplomats reportedly complained to the president after Dr Malik invited an Iranian envoy to the university. Dr Malik, according to sources, also mentioned the Saudi monarchy in a speech that did not go down well with the relevant authorities.

Independent observers predict that the pro-chancellor will reverse his predecessors’ efforts to modernise the IIUI’s atmosphere and curriculum and the university will regress to pre-9/11 policies. The pro-chancellor along with Saudi envoy Dr Abdul Aziz Al-Ghadeer visited some departments and announced he would bring ‘visible change’.

“Faculty members are concerned about the future of natural and social sciences departments keeping in view the sudden change at the top,” said a senior faculty member, who did not want to be named.

“We believe that the focus of the university should not once again shift towards radicalization, which was the case before 9/11. We are living in 2012, not in the 1980s,” said the professor.

At a reception given by the incumbent rector, Dr Masoom Yasinzai, the pro-chancellor said that Islam is the religion of peace and harmony. “Everyone should share suggestions to improve the education system at IIUI,” he said.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Yasinzai said that the Saudi government will increase sponsorship of teachers of Arabic and Fiqah. He said that the pro-chancellor has promised to build the second largest mosque in the capital on campus to accommodate all the staff and students.

He, however, ruled out the possibility that the university would go towards radicalisation, saying that it is an Islamic university and will create harmony amongst all the sects.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2012.