International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai has written a letter to the varsity Chancellor, President Arif Alvi, about administrative discrepancies. He has argued that the prevailing administrative situation and chaos can be threatening to the varsity repute.
Earlier, the varsity teachers and students had expressed their concerns and reservations over the weaknesses of internal governance system.
In his letter to the President of Pakistan who happens to be the chancellor of IIUI, Dr Masoom Yasinzai has requested to make President IIUI to work within the university’s set rules and regulations.
Read more: Violence at campus: One student killed, 13 others injured in a clash at IIU
According to details, the president office had removed Mass Communication Department Head Dr Zafar through a notification for his alleged involvement in spoiling the university’s credibility. However, the notification was taken back after few days without involving the relevant forum.
A similar kind of disparity surfaced few days later when the university administration issued appointment letter of hostel provost and then took the notification back just few hours letter.
Not at all afraid to raise our voice for honesty & truth and compassion against injustice, lying & greed of corrupt IIUI Administration.
Those who think they can pressurize students with the help of police are not aware of student's power 💪#BanOnCSSseminarInIIUI— Arslan Naeem (@ArslanNaeem97) April 3, 2019
International Islamic University: A Unique History
The International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is a public university located in Islamabad. It was established in 1980 and was restructured in 1985. Its initial campus was attached to the iconic Faisal Mosque named after Saudi King Shah Faisal and was completed with the financial support of Saudi Govt. Initial campus is still there, though now a huge new campus has been raised in sector H-10 of Islamabad.
Read more: Higher purposes of university education
IIUI offers academic centre of Islam, theology and the Islamic studies. In 2012, the university was ranked 4th in general universities category by the Higher Education Commission (Pakistan).
In February 2014, IIUI awarded King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia an honorary doctorate in politics and international relations.
The University offers undergraduate and post-graduate programs in law, science, engineering & technology, humanities, arts and religious studies. It also offers degrees in social and natural sciences.
The old campus is adjacent to the Faisal Masjid. The masjid was designed by Vedat Dalokay, a Turkish architect. Old campus kept on developing in stages. In 2006, the construction of the Central Library and the Lincoln Corner was completed.
Read more: Reforming college education: Pakistan needs to up its game
The new campus is located in Islamabad’s Sector H-10. The first phase of construction of the new campus was completed in 2013. Since then a campus area for women has also been established.
https://twitter.com/majidch47/status/1223617018634612736
Current controversy leading to Rector’s Letter to the President
Sources, familiar with the situation, say that the university’s president who has Saudi nationality is ‘playing in the hands of few colleagues’, adding that he has destroyed the university’s repute.
These sources alleged that proofs of issuing fake degree to his son had also been proved against the administrator.
And these sources also point out that despite an earlier action reducing his power in the administrative affairs for his alleged illegal activities, later his tenure was extended for four more years.
Read more: Countrywide Protests Held on Balochistan University’s Sexual Harassment
The sources allege that the administrator and his blue eyed are not only getting benefits for themselves but are also facilitating his relatives which is a clear violation of the university laws.
IIUI spokesperson Nasir Farid has however said that the University’s President had withdrawn the said notification under Article 13-3B of the university’s constitution which allows him to take his decision back in the larger interest of the university.
Whereas the rector says that the “Due Process” could not be implemented because the notification has been withdrawn.
https://twitter.com/AzaadQaidi/status/1234377277519077376
However, Rector says that he is concerned about the weaknesses of administrative affairs of the university and he has written a letter to the IIUI chancellor (President of Pakistan) to take notice of university’s affairs. He further said that misuse of power, if not restrained, will destroy the university’s repute.
It is pertinent to mention here that Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai had requested this correspondent not to publish news of his letter to the President of Pakistan regarding poor governance affairs in IIUI. It remains to be seen how President of Pakistan react to this controversy in IIUI. Till an impartial enquiry takes place these allegations from different sides remain allegations – however these are certainly damaging University’s reputation.
Online media with additional input from GVS news desk