Islamabad : Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) President Dr Mazhar Iqbal has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating academic environment and recurring disruptions at Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).
While simultaneously extending “strong and unequivocal support to the corrective and reform-oriented measures initiated by the university administration.”
In a statement, the FAPUASA President termed the current situation at QAU as a “systematic erosion of academic integrity, discipline and institutional credibility.”
He noted that QAU, once regarded as a premier seat of learning and merit, is now facing a steady decline in both its academic standards and national and international standing.
Prof Mazhar highlighted that academic processes are being repeatedly disrupted during crucial periods such as admissions and examinations.
He observed that a small but disruptive group of students repeatedly resorted to coercive tactics of blocking roads, suspending transport, forcibly shutting down departments and halting university operations to gain their narrow interests.
“Such actions not only undermine institutional authority and the rule of law but also unjustly penalise the overwhelming majority of serious and law-abiding students,” he stated.
Referring to developments during 2025 and early 2026, he noted incidents such as the suspension of the Summer Semester, disruption of an international academic conference and unrest linked to anti-encroachment operations carried out by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). These events, he emphasised, adversely affected the academic environment and institutional functioning.
Addressing misinformation, the FAPUASA chief categorically rejected claims that students are being unfairly barred from examinations.
He clarified that requirements regarding registration, active enrollment and clearance of dues are standard academic procedures aligned with global norms.
“These are essential administrative obligations. Failure to meet them reflects negligence, not victimisation,” he asserted.
Dr Mazhar said that the reforms being pursued under the leadership of acting Vice Chancellor Pro Zafar Nawaz Jaspal are both timely and indispensable.
The corrective measures such as vacating illegally occupied hostel accommodations, curbing the misuse of university resources, calling University Disciplinary Committee meetings, enforcing attendance and academic regulations and strengthening administrative transparency and accountability are critical steps toward restoring institutional order.
“Reform is never without resistance,” Dr Mazhar remarked, “but allowing disorder and vested interests to prevail would be far more damaging. The current administration’s resolve to uphold merit, discipline and the writ of the university deserves the full support of all stakeholders.”
He expressed grave concern over reported incidents of faculty harassment, forcible locking of academic departments and obstruction of examinations.
“Such actions cross the boundary of legitimate protest and are tantamount to intimidation and institutional sabotage. No credible academic institution can function under such pressures,” he said.
Calling the situation a defining moment for QAU, the FAPUASA official urged the ASA, Officers Welfare Association, Employees Welfare Associations, the alumni, civil society and particularly the silent majority of students to stand firmly in support of reform and institutional discipline.
Through a notification, the QAU administrations has informed students, faculty members, staff and officers that "the University shall remain open, and all academic activities will be carried out as per the scheduled timetable in whatsoever circumstances."
He stressed the importance of rejecting misinformation, politicisation, and the misuse of cultural narratives as justifications for unlawful behaviour.
“Discipline, respect and adherence to institutional rules are the foundation of any academic enterprise and the basic preparation for professional life,” Prof Mazhar concluded. “The dignity, stability and future of QAU depend on our collective resolve to protect its academic environment and uphold the principles of merit and integrity.”
