LAHORE (Pakistan News Online): The Punjab University Joint Action Committee held a peaceful protest at Campus Bridge against alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the university and to demand resolution of issues faced by teachers and employees.
Addressing the protesters, Joint Action Committee Chairman Professor Dr Sardar Asghar Iqbal said Punjab University was not the property of any individual or group but a national asset and a prestigious seat of learning.
He expressed concern over the alleged use of university resources and powers for the interests of certain individuals, calling for an impartial investigation into the matter.
Joint Action Committee President Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood said teachers and employees had been holding peaceful protests for several days to protect their legitimate rights and the university. However, he regretted that the administration had failed to make serious progress towards resolving their demands.
Joint Action Committee Convener Professor Dr Kamran Abid demanded a complete forensic audit of all financial, administrative and development affairs of Punjab University to bring the facts before the public, teachers and employees.
He said if evidence of any irregularity, misuse of authority or financial loss emerged at any level, those responsible should be proceeded against in accordance with the law.
He added that the prevailing situation had raised serious questions about the university’s administrative credibility and academic environment. He urged the Punjab government and relevant authorities to take immediate notice of the situation.
Tayyab Ejaz Khan said, “We do not want confrontation; we want to save the university.” He said the protest was completely peaceful and within the framework of the Constitution and law.
He announced that if immediate and effective progress was not made on their demands, the Joint Action Committee would expand the scope of its peaceful protest, while the future course of action would be decided through consultation.
Key demands
The Joint Action Committee demanded that the Punjab government:
- Take immediate notice of the situation at Punjab University.
- Order a complete, transparent and impartial forensic audit of the university.
- Conduct an independent investigation into alleged financial and administrative irregularities.
- Investigate allegations of nepotism and favouritism towards certain individuals.
- Resolve all legitimate issues faced by teachers and employees immediately.
- Ensure transparency in the university’s academic, administrative and financial affairs.
Officials and members of the Joint Action Committee participated in the protest. Demonstrators carried banners, placards and signs bearing slogans including “Save Punjab University, Remove the Vice Chancellor” and “Conduct a Forensic Audit of Punjab University.”