ISLAMABAD: ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has sought an explanation about the frequent foreign trips by Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) Vice-Chancellor Dr Zabita Khan Shinwari.
The meeting, chaired by Dr Azim-ud-Din Zahid Lakhvi, discussed administrative mismanagement, poor governance and the grave problems faced by FUUAST faculty.
Committee members voiced strong displeasure over the absence of Vice-Chancellor Shinwari, who was said to be abroad. They raised concern over his frequent foreign visits and asked the education secretary whether he had obtained an official no-objection certificate (NOC) for his travel.
The committee directed the secretary to present a detailed report at the next meeting on all foreign trips undertaken by the vice-chancellor over the past 18 months, including their purpose and benefits to the university. It further cautioned that, should it be found that he travelled abroad without an NOC, a show-cause notice must be issued.
Faculty grievances were also highlighted, including unpaid salaries for two to three months and pending house ceiling allowances for over a year. Members noted that faculty often face undue pressure and intimidation when they raise concerns.
Another member questioned the legality of the university’s incomplete syndicate, stressing that an unlawful governing body undermines credibility and effective functioning.
One member remarked that poor governance and lack of leadership — rather than financial scarcity — were the university’s core problems. Members described the denial of salaries, allowances, and basic facilities to faculty as unacceptable.
Given the vice-chancellor’s absence and external commitments, a member suggested that the chancellor (president) consider assigning VC responsibilities to someone who can devote more time to the institution.
In the vice-chancellor’s absence, university officials attended the meeting without preparation, drawing criticism from the committee. Members stressed that only those able to provide satisfactory responses should attend future sessions.
Senate panel pushes for permanent varsity VCs, revival of student unions
The education secretary agreed that the vice-chancellor should personally attend the next meeting. The committee directed Shinwari to appear in person and address their queries, underscoring that the administration’s failure to resolve internal issues has aggravated faculty and student grievances.
In 2024, Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment (FOSPAH) had dismissed professor Dr Hafiz Ishaq, head of the IT Department at the FUUAST and imposed a fine of Rs one million, after workplace harassment charges were proven against him.