When the coveted slot of KU VC is at stake, it’s bound to get dirty

Those nominated to take over as the new University of Karachi (KU) vice chancellor were in for a rude surprise when the final list of candidates was announced – there was an extra name on it. The Sindh Governor Vice Chancellor Search Committee (VCSC) inducted the name of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Qaiser in the list as a backup candidate. His application was submitted by present KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui at a time when Qaiser was abroad and the deadline for submitting applications had passed. Making matters worse are the rumours that Siddiqui is also running for another stint as the KU vice chancellor.
His application, according to sources, was forwarded by his close associates. However, Siddiqui denied that he is running for the slot. But he also claimed that the committee can consider him for another term if the chancellor chooses him in recognition of his services. “I have no idea whether I am being considered as a candidate or not and nobody in the search committee has informed me about anything regarding it,” he said. “As far as Dr Qaiser is concerned, he applied for the post himself.” The Sindh governor, who is also the chancellor of state-run universities of the province, had formed the search committee for finalising the candidates for the posts of the KU and Dow University of Health Sciences vice chancellors.
Dr SM Qureshi, the head of the Chartered Inspection and Evaluation Committee, was nominated to lead the search committee. Justice (retd) Haziqul Khairi, former general health director Dr Ali Mohammad Ansari, former University Grants Commission head and Iqra University Vice Chancellor Prof UAG Isani, IBA Director Dr Ishrat Hussain, former Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam vice chancellor Prof AQ Mughal and the governor’s principal secretary Mumtazur Rehman were the other members. The committee invited applications and later announced the names of 11 candidates. A senior KU professor, requesting anonymity, told Pakistan Today that some people belonging to a certain lobby were vying for the office of KU vice chancellor.
“Dr Qaiser had applied for the post of KU pro-vice chancellor, but he was not considered for the slot,” the professor said. “Dr Qaiser’s application was submitted when he was visiting Italy. Dr Siddiqui and Dr Qaiser were waiting for the moment when the search committee was going to announce the final list of candidates.” The teacher said that Siddiqui has been occupying the KU’s top office for the last eight years and has been given an extension twice. “The chancellor should review the names of other teachers for the post. There are 900 teachers of different cadres in the KU and there are better options for the office of vice chancellor.”
A KU official, who is among the final candidates, said it is a matter of great concern that an extra name is inducted through a backdoor channel. “I don’t know what’s really going on, but I am forced to think that the search committee is nothing more then eyewash.”