Tazeen Akhtar
Qauid e Azam University Islamabad takes pride as one of few only universities present in the World Ranking even the number is lower than 500. But actually the state of this University is hard to state. It is center of provincial prejudices where there are strong groupings in the name of Pukhtoon, Baloch, Sindhi, Punjabi etc.
The students groups fight one another making the university a ring of free style wrestling most often. The students keep weapons and use them to scare their rival groups. The university had to face closure in the past many times due to heavy clashes between the groups.
This state of affairs is not only a scar at the face of the university but detrimental for the law and order in the capital city as well because the students have their roots in the city also.
The Alumni election are adding to already prevailing bad situation in the university. There are two groups in the run for the first time in election for 2023-2024. The founder group that was enjoying the empty field with no opponent so far has to pass through a tough competition this time.
Here starts another story of objectionable activity , if we avoid calling it total wrong or illegal. Founder group has presented a candidate for the top slot of President who is owner of Private university while QAU is a public sector university.
This is clear cut case of conflict of interest. This is as a doctor of his own private clinic is posted in a gov hospital at high position. He will definitely refer the patients to his own clinic. The name of the candidate is Dr Abdul Basit, self posted V.C of his own the Preston university.
The condition of his own university can be seen at H-8 sector where a large number of students is bound to study in a very congested environment. The university does not have its own parking. Small size class rooms and no play ground is attached. The recognition of the Preston university’s degree and the Charter itself are debatable.
Another matter of concern is , what contribution , Dr Basit can do, if elected , because he lives most of time in UAE and Karachi where he has shifted main operations of his university. This candidate of the top slot is fit for QAU ? The members and other candidates who have accepted him as leader can respond in yes or no, whatever with their point of view and we will entertain that as well.
Another point to be noted is, neither the candidates of founder group nor the members and candidates of the other group bothered to think upon this conflict of interest in case of Dr Basit. It means no one among both groups is serious to take care of the Alumni of this great university. Both sides are just playing it as fun only.
Dr Basit’s only qualification to lead the group is his financial assistance and funding to the operations of this group. How unfortunate that there are many other qualified names in both groups but the Money only is Making the Mare Go here too as is the state of the state.
Media Literacy Workshop at PASTIC for Journalists of Print Media
