Accountability: University of Sargodha VC set to get clean chit

A member of the committee probing irregularities says it has cleared the VC of charges

LAHORE: A 10-member committee, tasked with reviewing the performance of University of Sargodha (UoS) Vice Chancellor (VC) Akram Chaudhry, has acquitted him of charges against him, a committee member told The Express Tribune on Tuesday.

“In its report, the committee has cleared the VC of all the charges,” said the member who did not want to be named.

The government had formed the committee, headed by Chief Secretary Khizar Hayat Gondal, following reports of irregularities at the university. “Eight members of the committee have visited the university, gathered information and submitted a report to the chief minister,” the member said. He said the chief minister was expected to make the decision soon.

The Chief Minister’s Inspection Team, too, had initiated investigation into media reports alleging massive irregularities at the UoS.

Another source privy to the development said the reports regarding irregularities at the university were part of a “politically-motivated” campaign against the VC.

Higher Education Secretary Irum Bukhari was not available for her comments.

Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Nizamuddin said the committee had been tasked with reviewing the UoS’ progress and performance of the VC. He said the committee had evaluated Chaudhry’s performance against the targets set for the university. He said the chief minister was likely to make a decision next week.

Chaudhry’s term will expire on October 9. The government has advertised 10 posts of VCs, including one for the UoS. Chaudhry has again applied for the job.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7^th, 2015.