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 17th, 2012.
COMMENTS (4)
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What is the work of Liberal at IIUI? Go to some other University where your Views are respected. What was you thinking when you applied for International ISLAMIC University? And as for the Saudiaziation of the University, please go and read the history of IIUI...you might get little shocked! And stop whinning all the Time. I am student of IIUI, but I can't see these "Liberal thinking" to float, as it has brought many bad things to University (Remember: Librarian Case!)...When Librarian case was floating in the News everyone blamed that Mullas are busy doing this...What a Hypocrisy! It was Administration of that time which let the Librarian set loose! Hypocrisy ki b Ha'ad hogaye hai..
The Saudis are at it again. But the fact of the matter is that it is a unique case of misuse of religion. As with the blasphemy, some vested interests misreported to the Saudi ambassador that the fabric of Islam is being tainted at IIUI. In reality, Prof. Malik took a strict stance for ensuring merit in new appointments while the Blind and the Bearded wanted the likes of them at every department. The general secretary of the Academic Staff Association was facing harassment and corruption complaints. He wanted action against him rolled back. Prof. Malik did not give in to them and they painted his picture as somebody un-Islamic to get him out of their way. Now that Prof. Malik is on leave, the beards are out to intimidate the new administration to follow their agenda otherwise it too would be labled un-Islamic. There is need to investigate this matter more deeply.
Professor Fateh Muhammad Malik brought positive reforms in the university and changed its culture. It doesn't look like University of Jammat Islami but a progressive Islamic University. The previous Rector used to stay in Karachi and seldom visited campus where as Prof Malik spends more than 10 hours in his office. He has brought more than US$60 million in funding for state-of-art sceintific labs. I am a student of this university so I can see visible changes he has brought for the university.
This was exactly feared. Mr. Malik's liberal, and progressive policies will be rolled back now, which is very sad state of affairs. Where will liberal students go now? We need Prof Malik back to continue positive reforms he was introducing. Nations don't waste such intellectuals. Darwesh like him are required to show the positive image of Pakistan.