Pakistan

Notification expired: AIOU ‘technically’ headless

VC’s acting charge assignment ended on June 21, minister ‘verbally’ told him to keep working.

Danish Hussain June 27, 2014

ISLAMABAD:

The head of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has been performing his duties unlawfully for the past five days.

Prof Dr Ali Asghar Chishti continues to hold acting charge as AIOU vice-chancellor despite the expiry of his three-month contract on June 21, 2014.

Chishti, who is the AIOU faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies in-charge, was appointed acting VC on March 21, according to an education ministry notification.

He was appointed acting VC on the completion of the four-year tenure of former VC Nazir Ahmed Sangi.

The charge was given “for a period of three months or till the appointment of a regular vice-chancellor, whichever is earlier.”

However, three months on, neither has an extension been notified nor a regular appointment made against the top position.

Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said the issue had recently come to his notice.

“The HEC has written a letter to the AIOU pro-chancellor — state minister for federal education and professional training Baleeghur Rehman — in this regard,” the HEC chief said. He said the letter was sent on Thursday.

On the other hand, AIOU Registrar Prof Nowshad accepted the legal issue but added Prof Chishti had been performing his duties following “verbal directions” from the education minister to continue at the post. Baleeghur Rehman is currently abroad.

He said minister had directed him to deal with “necessary and routine” work being until his return. He said the minister is due to come back over the weekend.

When asked if “verbal direction” are enforceable without black and white directions, the registrar changing his statement and said, “The direction has been written in a file.”

According to university officials, the absence of a regular VC had been taking a toll on the varsity and hindering proper decision making and long-term planning.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2014.