Body formed for Fuuast’s governance, human resource audit

In view of multiple complaints about alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology’s (Fuuast) Karachi and Islamabad campuses, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairperson has constituted a four-member committee to conduct Fuuast’s governance & human resource audit.

HEC adviser Engr Muhammad Raza Chohan has been appointed as the committee’s convener, with Federal Education Senior Joint Secretary Aftab Rashid and HEC Karachi Director General Nazir Hussain as members, and HEC Islamabad assistant director Hammad Bin Saif as member/secretary.

The committee will review governance, financial management and service-related practices at Fuuast, evaluate compliance with applicable service rules, recruitment regulations and grievance redressal mechanisms, and review legal and regulatory matters pending with the relevant authorities and forums.

It will also assess the authority and functions exercised by those holding statutory or administrative positions, and examine any instances of overreach or abuse of authority, particularly instances to the effect of harassment, discrimination and retaliatory action against faculty and staff.

The committee will also engage with university officials, faculty and staff to substantiate and verify its observations, then submit a comprehensive report with its findings and actionable recommendations within 15 days.