Lawrence College: Appointment of new principal on the cards

The college’s former principal had voluntary resigned from his post during the first week of April.

MURREE:

During a meeting on Tuesday, the board of governors of Murree’s Lawrence College discussed the incidents surrounding the recent voluntary resignation of the college’s principal. They decided to appoint a new principal on merit as soon as possible.

The meeting was held at the college in Ghora Gali, Murree. It was chaired by Punjab Governor Makhdoom Syed Ahmed Mahmud, who is also the chairman of the Lawrence College Board of Governors. The college’s former principal, Abdul Hafeez, had voluntary resigned from his post during the first week of April.

Hafeez had alleged that he was pressurised by the college’s board of governors to readmit a student whom he had suspended on the grounds of indiscipline.

In the face of mounting pressure, Hafeez said he sent his resignation to Governor Mahmud hoping that the governor would support him. However, Mahmud accepted the resignation and sent Hafeez packing.

Media reports showed college students and faculty came out in their support for Hafeez on April 5 and protested over the governor’s decision. They also threatened to boycott classes.

In the Tuesday meeting, the board expressed the concern that “vested interests” were trying to exploit the resignation incident. The board appreciated the role of the executive committee of the college in defusing the situation. It also noted that the Hafeez’s resignation was accepted in line with the terms of his contract.

The board directed both the committee and the college administration to focus on ensuring quality education and the grooming of students to produce future leaders. Lawrence College, a boarding school, is considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions of the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 20^th, 2013.