PU denies allegations of favouritism

The Punjab University (PU) spokesman on Thursday termed the PUASA's press conference baseless and false saying senior teachers had distorted the facts and trying to bring a bad name to the repute of the institution. Denying allegations of favouritism levelled against a competent and honourable Professor Dr Mansoor Sarwar, the spokesman reminded that Sarwar was appointed PUCIT Principal in 2006 by the-than vice-chancellor Lieutenant General Arshad Mehmood (Retd).
The spokesman said that Sarwar had served at a highly-reputed US institution for over 11 years and had been professor and chairman of LUMS' Department of Computer Sciences. His books are of international standard have also been translated to Chinese and Spanish languages. And, it said, according to his qualification, the University Syndicate followed all the standards and approved his appointment as Principal PUCIT in 2009. The spokesman also clarified that no three increments had been awarded to the professor.
The spokesman said that the current university administration ensured objectivity and merit. Usually, the press release said, 1 man 1 post policy is followed. But because of some unavoidable circumstances, the varsity sometimes had to give an additional charge to anyone according to his ability and capacity, it added.
The spokesman clarified that the ASA presented CoD two times to the V.C office but in their own meeting they decided to meet Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran in press. A staffer of VC office also contacted ASA in this regard. Regarding elections of Syndicate, the spokesman clarified that according to the wish of various groups of ASA, the elections could not be held and now the notification regarding elections of Syndicate had been issued and it would be held on March 31 this year. The spokesman said rather the ASA was protecting criminals and violators in their ranks.
The spokesman said that no clear answer of the question by journalist during the press conference regarding financial embezzlement was a clear indication that no such matters basically exist. It said further that ASA should praise the varsity for resolving the matter of IMPP students rather than politicising the issue. But the students are wise and could not get trapped, it added.
For salary increments and provision of medical allowances of TTS teachers, the spokesman said that PUASA had misguided the media while the Vice-Chancellor recently held the meeting TTS PhD teachers and for salary increment and medical allowances of TTS assistant professors, the Vice-Chancellor had already written a letter to Chairman HEC and Executive Director the previous month.
It said that the honorary advisor to Vice-Chancellor did not hold any administrative office and he was also not withdrawing any salary. Regarding the car issue of former pro vice-chancellor Dr Jamil Anwar, the spokesman clarified that ASA must know that treasurer is the custodian of all the assets and property of the varsity and all the relevant officials were given vehicles through his office.