Uncertain futures: PM directs resolution of BZU fiasco within 15 days

HEC also gives varsities 90 days to complete quality shortfalls

ISLAMABAD: A four-member body has been formed to resolve the issue of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU)’s Lahore campus by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The commission has also given 90 days to all degree-awarding institutes to complete quality shortfalls.

This was stated by HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed at a press conference following a meeting with Maryam Nawaz, the PM’s daughter.

The PM Office sought HEC’s view after students of BZU’s Lahore campus protested on Monday against the HEC for revoking its affiliation with the Multan-based varsity.

Interestingly, no such action has yet been taken by HEC but the management of the varsity’s sub-campus fears action after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested its former vice-chancellor Dr Khuwaja Alqama and other officials.

NAB arrested Alqama on October 29 in connection with the establishment of the university’s sub-campus in Lahore, without the approval of the varsity syndicate, public-private partnership agency and the HEC.

NAB stated that Dr Alqama and Lahore sub-campus director Hamza Munir were charged with abuse of authority and fraud.

The Punjab government allowed opening the sub-campus, subject to approval of the aforementioned bodies, but BZU administration went ahead with admissions without the approvals despite a warning from HEC in 2013.

Ahmed said the committee will be headed by HEC acting executive director, and comprise a member from higher education, Punjab, members from BZU and HEC’s director for quality assurance.

“The committee will meet on Friday to find a solution within 15 days for students and protect their future,” he said, adding that a wide range of possibilities will be discussed, including shifting students to other varsities.

Ahmed said on Wednesday (today) they were writing a letter to all 172 public and private universities to address quality-related issues.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 4^th, 2015.