Islamabad: It is almost three weeks that Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) is running without a regular vice chancellor.
The previous VC Dr Niaz Akhtar, who after serving VC post in five universities was enjoying it at QAU for 6th time, was recently appointed as Chairperson, Higher Education Commission (HEC). As per rules, the Senior Dean takes over the seat when a VC is on leave, retires, transferred, seriously ill or dies but only for 15 days to handle the day to day affairs of the university.
As this time, the change was abrupt as the incumbent VC joined HEC before completing his 3-year QAU term, so no process could start for advertising the post and choosing the next VC through a Search Committee.
In the present situation, the process may take months. In such cases in the past, the Chancellor (President of Pakistan) appointed an Acting Vice-Chancellor who looks after the university till a duly selected VC takes over the charge. The Academic Staff Association (ASA), QAU, in a statement has demanded the concerned authorities to appoint the acting VC from amongst the senior professors of QAU faculty.
ASA President Dr Aamir Ali, sharing his concern over the delay stressed that one of the senior Professors from the University should be appointed for the role as they have better understanding of the dynamics and the cultural climate of the university. Talking to The News, the employees and other staff of the university shared this concern of the teaching faculty.
