ASA laments QAU’s state of affairs as students commandeer university bus to Adiala

Islamabad : If Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) starts the Fall 2025 semester without implementing the decisions taken by the faculty members in different committees, the faculty members may voluntarily relinquish administrative roles in protest.

It was decided in a meeting of the Executive Council (EC) of the Academic Staff Association (ASA).

In its meeting with Dr Mazhar Iqbal President ASA in the chair, the ASA noted that inefficiencies among support staff were undermining smooth operations in the university. The House urged the Registrar’s Office and Legal Wing to adopt a more proactive role in resolving such issues. Concerns were also raised regarding the disciplinary process. Students involved in misconduct should be penalised in accordance with disciplinary regulations.

However, it was noted that the Appellate Committee constituted by the Syndicate frequently overturns decisions of the University Discipline Committee (UDC), often imposing minimal fine Rs5,000, which undermines the authority of the committee. The House stressed that UDC’s rulings must be respected to maintain discipline.

It regretted that official notifications directing students to vacate hostels during the summer break, compliance remained low. Students unlawfully occupied vacated hostels, requiring intervention from ICT police. Even after being granted bail, these students returned and resumed their illegal stay.

In a serious incident on Friday, a group of students forcefully commandeered a university bus along with its driver to transport released students from Adiala Jail. No FIRs have yet been lodged against those who continue to occupy the hostels illegally or were involved in hijacking the university bus and ambulance. The House strongly emphasised the need for strict enforcement of the university’s hostel policy in future allotments.

It was proposed that future Syndicate committees dealing with student matters comprise only internal university members. The lack of legal support for university representatives in court proceedings was also criticised. The House reaffirmed support for the roles of the UDC and Hostels Discipline Committee in maintaining discipline, stressing that these committees must function strictly according to university regulations and that their decisions should be upheld to preserve institutional authority.

The ASA stressed for hostels cleanup operations, all future allotments strictly in accordance with the approved university hostel policy and decisions of the UDC, HDC and Unfair Means Committee be enforced with no overriding by the Appellate Committees and Semester operations align strictly with decisions of the Academic Council.

The IG Police had reportedly commented before the operation to vacate hostels that QAU calls for help and later back-tract from its policy.

When contacted, the PRO of QAU came up with the following statement: “The university administration has already taken significant steps to address the issues raised, including continuing legal and disciplinary proceedings against individuals involved in the illegal occupation of hostels. The administration is also in the process of introducing a mechanism to ensure transparent allotments in the hostels. The university reiterates that academic activities, including the Fall 2025 semester, will commence in a manner that prioritises students’ safety, addresses faculty concerns and adheres to institutional rules.”

Prof Anwar Iqbal Shaheen, a former faculty member and donor to the university, while talking to ‘The News’ questioned where is the writ of university? He added that VC Dr Niaz Ahmad appears to be more interested in the vacant post of HEC chief. As he already served in five, he may be vying for another stint in any other university after his tenure ends here at QAU instead of resolving the grave financial and administrative issues the university is facing right now.