Senate Panel Probes Allegations Against QAU Acting VC

News Desk 

Islamabad: The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges on Monday reviewed allegations against the Acting Vice Chancellor (VC) of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, including claims of derogatory remarks against Senators and reports of illegal occupancy, drug trafficking, and encroachments on university property.

An in-depth discussion was held, during which the sub-committee gave a detailed hearing to the Acting Vice Chancellor and relevant officials. The deliberations centered on the administrative affairs of the university, as well as the influence of political and religious groups on campus.

Senator Palwasha Khan emphasized that the committee’s purpose was to address administrative shortcomings affecting both university discipline and the dignity of Parliament.

“We are here to address the administrative lacunae that are disrupting the university’s discipline and damaging the sanctity of this august house by painting a misleading picture before students and the public,” she remarked.

The convener also questioned the authority of an acting vice chancellor in making major decisions and drew attention to the issue of derogatory remarks reportedly made by Dr Jaspal.

The committee was informed that Dr Jaspal had submitted a written apology to the Standing Committee, which was read aloud by the Secretary Committee during the session.

Senator Palwasha stressed that no derogatory conduct towards public representatives would be tolerated, adding that Parliamentarians must be accorded due respect in a democratic system.

Briefing the committee on the situation at QAU, Dr Jaspal said, “Quaid-e-Azam University is the best educational institution in the country. Student councils do not have legal validity in universities. If there is a fight between students, we reconcile.”

He added, “Before being a vice chancellor, I am a professor at heart and believe in students’ character growth and career grooming.”

Responding to a question on reports of illegal activities on campus, the Acting VC said, “Children have young blood; such activities also take place, and I play a fatherly role in addressing such incidents.”

On the matter of illegal hostel occupancy, Dr Jaspal acknowledged that around eight to nine individuals were living illegally in university hostels.

Police officials informed the committee that multiple FIRs had been registered in the vicinity of QAU over the past two years, with recoveries of ice, heroin, and hashish reported during various operations near the campus.

Senator Saadia Abbasi underscored the seriousness of the matter, saying, “Three serious allegations have been made against the Acting Vice Chancellor by the students. These should be thoroughly investigated. We will not allow any disturbance of law and order in any university.”

Senator Jan Muhammad expressed concern that Dr Jaspal had “not yet personally apologized to the Senators,” urging the matter’s resolution.

Law enforcement authorities also revealed that 1,709 acres of QAU land are under illegal encroachment, while a number of students continue to occupy hostels unlawfully.

Terming the situation unacceptable, Senator Palwasha Khan said, “The trend of destroying the future of students in Quaid-e-Azam University must come to an end.”

Before the session concluded, the Vice Chancellor assured the committee, “None of my professors can mock any public representative,” and requested the sub-committee to take a lenient view of the case.

The sub-committee disposed of the matter, directing the university administration to uphold the sanctity of Parliament and public representatives in the future.

Senator Palwasha reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to restoring discipline, transparency, and academic integrity in higher education institutions across the country.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, was attended by Senators Dost Ali Jeesar, Saadia Abbasi, and Jan Muhammad, alongside officials from the university, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and representatives from law enforcement agencies.