Way out: Urdu varsity VC submits resignation

President yet to accept FUUAST vice-chancellor’s resignation

ISLAMABAD: The acting vice-chancellor of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Dr Qaiser Zulfiqar has submitted his resignation with President Mamnoon Hussain.

Hussain is the chancellor of the federally chartered university and has yet to take any action against the chaos and unrest in Karachi and Islamabad campuses brewing for the last year.

In-charge Islamabad campus Dr Sulman Muhammad also confirmed the submission of the resignation. “Yes I talked to him [Zulfiqar] and he told me he has submitted the resignation with the President who has yet to accept it,” Muhammad said.

The university was closed last week after two ethnic students federations scuffled with each other over a petty issue. Later, the HEC also wrote a letter to head of Rangers seeking help in vacating the VC office from Zafar who was previously heading the varsity but sent on forced leave by the senate of the university.

Both campuses in Islamabad and Karachi have witnessed scuffles, fights, accusations and counter accusations between Zafar and another group namely of Zulfiqar.

Cases in Sindh High Court were also scenes to witness as arrival and departure by both VCs would bring a change in hierarchy for a few days.

Zulfiqar was not available for comments. “We will try our best to reopen the university on Wednesday and we have not banned any student from entering the campus,” Islamabad campus in-charge said when asked about the latest update on the ‘tense’ situation at the campus.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2015.