Distractions in education: Political affiliations divide teachers at UoP
Officials say professors openly take part in election campaigns.
PESHAWAR:
Despite a ban imposed on student federations and activities of regional associations at the University of Peshawar (UoP), teachers of the institution openly contest elections for association bodies with political support.
As a result, a clear division exists between teachers who continually appear to be at loggerheads over university matters. Some students also said the teachers are too busy to take their classes due to political engagements.
The results of a recent poll conducted by the Peshawar University Teachers Association (PUTA) indicated that teachers were divided into four groups: the Awami National Party backed ‘Friends Group’, The Jamaat-e-Islami backed ‘Tanzim-e-Asatiza’ group, the Pakistan Peoples Party backed ‘Progressive Group’ and the ‘Tableeghi Jamaat’ group.
According to an official of the UoP, affiliations between different groups and political parties have existed for a long time, but were kept secret in the past. “Political parties are now openly involved in the university’s activities,” he said.
He said the current K-P governor, who is also the chancellor of public sector universities in the province, has appointed four PPP members within the university fold and at least 12 others were serving in the Senate of the UoP.
He alleged that these members had nothing to do with the educational affairs of the university and were working solely for their own interests.
“For the first time, PUTA President Jameel Ahmad was given a car worth Rs1.4 million which was paid for by the government, while Rs8.5 million was given to him for various expenses,” maintained the official.
He said political parties openly conducted election campaigns for their respective groups inside the university, adding that even the vice chancellor cast his vote.
Most students were disappointed with the prevailing non-academic environment caused by politicking and fear it could trigger violence inside the varsity’s premises.
A student from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department said former vice chancellor Azmat Hayat participated in political activities despite placing the ban himself.
“If teachers are allowed to take part in politics, then students should also be allowed to form unions for their rights,” he said while referring to the ban on student federations. “Teachers have associations to protect their interests, why are students denied the right to raise their voice on a united platform.”
PUTA General Sectary Fazli Nasir, who is also a professor at the Pharmacy Department, admitted there was a need for a unanimous body to keep a check on activities within the university.
Nasir said the current government provides financial support to political wings, but is not directly involved in university activities. UoP’s Vice Chancellor Qibla Ayaz said it was difficult to keep educational institutions free of politics.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2012.
Despite a ban imposed on student federations and activities of regional associations at the University of Peshawar (UoP), teachers of the institution openly contest elections for association bodies with political support.
As a result, a clear division exists between teachers who continually appear to be at loggerheads over university matters. Some students also said the teachers are too busy to take their classes due to political engagements.
The results of a recent poll conducted by the Peshawar University Teachers Association (PUTA) indicated that teachers were divided into four groups: the Awami National Party backed ‘Friends Group’, The Jamaat-e-Islami backed ‘Tanzim-e-Asatiza’ group, the Pakistan Peoples Party backed ‘Progressive Group’ and the ‘Tableeghi Jamaat’ group.
According to an official of the UoP, affiliations between different groups and political parties have existed for a long time, but were kept secret in the past. “Political parties are now openly involved in the university’s activities,” he said.
He said the current K-P governor, who is also the chancellor of public sector universities in the province, has appointed four PPP members within the university fold and at least 12 others were serving in the Senate of the UoP.
He alleged that these members had nothing to do with the educational affairs of the university and were working solely for their own interests.
“For the first time, PUTA President Jameel Ahmad was given a car worth Rs1.4 million which was paid for by the government, while Rs8.5 million was given to him for various expenses,” maintained the official.
He said political parties openly conducted election campaigns for their respective groups inside the university, adding that even the vice chancellor cast his vote.
Most students were disappointed with the prevailing non-academic environment caused by politicking and fear it could trigger violence inside the varsity’s premises.
A student from the Journalism and Mass Communication Department said former vice chancellor Azmat Hayat participated in political activities despite placing the ban himself.
“If teachers are allowed to take part in politics, then students should also be allowed to form unions for their rights,” he said while referring to the ban on student federations. “Teachers have associations to protect their interests, why are students denied the right to raise their voice on a united platform.”
PUTA General Sectary Fazli Nasir, who is also a professor at the Pharmacy Department, admitted there was a need for a unanimous body to keep a check on activities within the university.
Nasir said the current government provides financial support to political wings, but is not directly involved in university activities. UoP’s Vice Chancellor Qibla Ayaz said it was difficult to keep educational institutions free of politics.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2012.