Dr Akbar Zaidi responds to universities and boards dept’s notice

The executive director of the IBA Karachi (Institute of Business Administration), Dr. Akbar Zaidi, has sent a response to the June 19 show-cause notice that he received from the secretary of the Universities and Boards Department, Government of Sindh, for going to Italy allegedly without approval and issuance of an NOC.

In his letter, Dr Akbar Zaidi expressed his astonishment at the issuance of the notice. He said, “The Institute of Business Administration, Karachi ("IBA Karachi"), had formally informed your office, the Universities and Boards Department, Government of Sindh, and in particular, your good self, of the intended travel through an official communication dated May 15, 2024.

He noted that the IBA Karachi is governed by the IBA Act, 1994 ("IBA Act") passed by the provincial assembly of Sindh. Under the IBA Act, the Board of Governors ("The BOG") is empowered to make policy on matters related to the IBA.

He said that for many matters approved by the Board, permission is not required from the Universities and Boards Department, as it is not the competent authority in such matters. “The status of the BOG of the IBA under the IBA Act, together with the Executive Director, expressly encompasses the authority and mandate to allocate funds for travel expenses of all IBA employees, both internal and external as deemed necessary and appropriate. It is my belief that, as a member of the IBA BOG, you would, and indeed ought to be aware of this matter.

Prof Sarosh Lodi, member of the HEC, also stated that the IBA Act grants autonomy to the Board of Governors and, therefore, external approval is not necessary. “This position was expressly affirmed during the 121st meeting of the BOG held on May 9, 2025, where it was duly resolved that no external validation or approval is generally required for decisions made within the scope of the BoG's lawful authority.”