LAHORE:An emergency meeting of the Punjab University’s Academic Staff Association (ASA) Executive Council, called on Thursday morning after the release of the Town-III inquiry report, collapsed amid disputes over procedure.
ASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi declared the meeting ‘illegal’ as it had been summoned without his consent, leading to heated exchanges among members and no formal outcome.The inquiry report itself, commissioned by PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Ali on ASA’s request, pointed to alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the university’s Town-III housing project. It highlighted concerns over transparency, developer selection, financial management, and governance. Key findings included the absence of a transparent bidding process, potential conflict of interest and unexplained delays in development despite no legal hurdles in the first four years. The committee also noted that financial statements of Town-III were never shared with stakeholders, recommending a third-party audit and urging the administration to seek help from government agencies.
In addition to concerns over transparency, developer selection, and financial management, the report noted that Khurram Shehzad and Irfanullah obtained a court stay order against the scheme, causing a delay of two and a half years. Speaking to The News, ASA President Dr Amjad Magsi said the inquiry was initiated on ASA’s and endorsed the committee’s recommendations, stressing that accountability and transparency are essential in safeguarding faculty welfare.
