Islamabad : Academic Staff Association (ASA), Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), has lauded the efforts of a decisive leadership under Prof Zafar Nawaz Jaspal to restores peace, order and discipline at the Campus.
In a statement, the ASA observed that after the appointment of Dr Jaspal as the interim Vice Chancellor, QAU, the administrative and disciplinary affairs were urgently addressed and streamlined. Hostel policies were reformed and implemented strictly as per rules and regulations. All illegal residents and occupants in hostel buildings were instructed by the Provost to curtail their illegal activities and vacate the hostels within three days.
According to ASA, the steps were taken for the genuine betterment and smooth running of the administration, clearance of pending bills and strict adherence to austerity measures.
It may be mentioned that some students had installed private ACs in hostels illegally.
The ASA pointed out that a few students tried to disrupt the peace and tranquility Thursday in the university by shutting down a department and confronting Deputy Female Provost for actions to vacating former or dropout students not authorised to stay in the hostels.
The concerned faculty member took a firm stand but was mishandled by the protesting students which led to instant intervention by the Resident Officer, Director Students Affairs and the Vice- Chancellor.
The ASA observed that “Prof Jaspal displayed pure leadership and took charge of the situation by handling the rowdy students himself. With timely measures, the interim VC evaded any chances of strike and further acceleration of situation.”
The ASA noted that the event came at a time when QAU was actively working towards creating a soft image through hosting competitions for upcoming International Students Convention, Expo'16 and a whole week of plans including declamations, creative competitions and informative seminars to celebrate Marka-e-Haq anniversary next week, said ASA.
Referring to a “malicious campaign launched on social media by a few,” the ASA said “it is evident that Dr Jaspal is being targeted to undermine his commendable performance and leadership as VC of QAU.”
The ASA condemned the activities of a halndful of “ill-intentioned troublemakers” and expressed its strong resolve to stand in solidarity with Dr Jaspal as “he leads the University with discipline and integrity.”
Dr Aamir Ali, President, ASA, asserted that QAU’s improving reputation because of its investment in research, extracurricular activities and discipline is a testimony of VC's devotion towards betterment of QAU.
Talking to The News, Dr Jaspal said, “I have great admiration for Sindhi culture, especially ‘Ajrak’, traditional cap, literature, rich civilisation, etc.” He vowed that inquire from Sindhi graduates of QAU over the past three decades and “about my inclination toward this culture. No Pakistani, including me, even considers disrespecting Sindhi culture. Moreover, I respect and praise all cultures. That is the beauty of Quaid-i-Azam University. How a person show disrespect toward ‘Ajrak’ when he himself used it. He advised for avoiding malicious propaganda about disrespecting the ‘Ajrak’ or Sindhi culture.
The VC said QAU is the highest seat of learning, where disrespecting any culture, including Sindhi culture, is inconceivable. “It is shocking to me that students belonging to Mehran Council coming from a rich culture and the land of Sufias attacked on faculty members including a senior female Professor, when the faculty asked them not to disturb teaching in their department.” The VC concluded that people who understand Sindhi culture confirm that it does not permit assault on teachers or women.
