VC ‘safety’ too heavy on PU’s pocket

The Punjab University (PU) staff members have strongly condemned the use of public funds by Vice-Chancellor (VC) Adviser Col (r) Ikramullah and demanded the VC to refrain from choosing Ikram as an adviser for a second tenure as, according to them, a huge amount of funds used by Ikram is a burden on the varsity.
The PU sources said none of the 73 public sector universities of the country has the post of adviser to the VC. But in PU, Ikram is not only enjoying luxuries as Dr Kamran’s adviser but also occupying a Grade 18 post of chief security officer (CSO). The sources said two PU vehicles were in the use of the former army officer, while another was allocated to his personal secretary. The PU adviser also uses his influence to protect his business interest in the varsity.
According to the officials of the Account Department, the varsity is paying thousands of rupees in shape of patrol allowance to Ikram, despite the fact that they have opposed the practice because it is wastage of the public money as Ikram is not delivering to the varsity.
At a time, when the whole education community is opposing the appointment of Dr Kamran as a VC, the most painful thing is the presence of Col Ikram in the office. The PU community is worried by the fact the government money will be given to Col Ikram in next four years. It is important to mention that Ikram was appointed as an adviser to the VC in his first tenure and assigned a duty of playing a positive role in promoting a positive image of PU around the world. The sources say after taking charge of the post, he got a furnished office and started work for his interests.
It was decided that the colonel will not get any salary and work as an adviser, but he managed to get the two vehicles, including a Cultus.
According to the sources, Ikram is also getting thousands of rupees for his personal vehicles and fuel allowance for three, amounting to sixty thousands rupees.
According to another source, Ikram is also controlling the Advertisement Section, where a huge share of financial resources has been wasted. He said ironically, he also held the slot of CSO, which required an energetic person, adding that the security staff was not happy with the VC for his choice of Ikram as CSO, as the security guards were not willing to perform under the supervision of Ikram.
A source said in reality, Ikram was most powerful person at the campus, as a team of around 20 guards, hired by the administrations to counter the IJT activists, were deputed to protect the CSO.
He said it was difficult to understand why the VC was relying on the adviser, when he himself knew that Ikram was a burden. According to a member of the academic staff, Ikram also used varsity’s administrative machinery to run a campaign against President Asif Ali Zardari last year and also issued a press release against the president from the varsity’s Public Relations Department. He said Ikram also regular interfered in the academic matters, which was strongly resisted by the faculty members. He said there were a number of reputed universities in the city, but the VCs had no adviser.