Islamabad : The recent reshuffling and appointment of principals by the Federal Directorate of Education has triggered sharp criticism within Islamabad’s model colleges, with senior faculty members alleging violations of merit and seniority principles.
According to the official seniority list issued by the FDE, M. Riaz Anjum, a BPS-19 associate professor at Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-10/4, has been appointed principal of Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-13/2. He stands at serial number 24 on the seniority list. However, sources claim that at least 14 associate professors, who were senior to him, were overlooked for the post.
Faculty members argue that this is not an isolated instance but part of a continuing pattern. They point to the earlier appointment of Najeebullah, whose seniority stands at serial number 57. Despite being among the most junior officers, he had been serving as principal of Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-11/1, bypassing a significant number of senior colleagues. In the latest reshuffle, he has been transferred to Islamabad Model College for Boys, F-10/3, considered a larger and more prominent institution. Meanwhile, Ihsanullah has been posted as principal of IMCB, G-10/4.
An assistant professor disclosed that as many as 14 senior associate professors had already approached the Federal Service Tribunal against the out-of-turn appointment of Najeebullah and seeking redress against what they describe as a blatant disregard for established seniority norms. The case is still pending with the tribunal.
Similarly, M. Amer Mumtaz, who is reportedly junior to eight associate professors serving at IMCB, G-13/2, has been appointed principal of IMCB, G-11/1 following Najeebullah’s transfer. Teachers claim that the repeated supersession of senior faculty members has intensified frustration across institutions operating under the FDE.
Senior teachers argue that appointing junior officers as principals, thereby placing them in administrative authority over their seniors, has severely demoralised experienced faculty members.
“Many juniors are enjoying the high rank of principalship, becoming administrative heads over their own seniors. This situation discourages senior teachers, undermines morale and damages institutional harmony,” said a faculty member on condition of anonymity.
Several teachers have also alleged favouritism and nepotism in the appointment process. They claim that certain “blue-eyed” officers manage to secure lucrative principal positions through personal connections within the FDE, sidelining transparency and merit-based criteria.
According to some senior faculty members, the recent reshuffle has sent a “wrong message” to the academic community. They warn that if merit and seniority rules continue to be ignored, it may erode trust in the system and create long-term administrative instability in Islamabad’s model colleges.
Teachers demanded the intervention of the education secretary, urging the authorities to look into what they describe as a repeated pattern of controversial appointments and to ensure transparency, merit and adherence to seniority rules in future postings.
