The faculty of the Quaid-e-Azam University is divided over the proposed sale of its 17-acre land to Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, terming it against the interests of the institution.
Political Science Professor and former Head of the Department Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, while expressing his strong reservation on the leasing of land, said it is being given on throw-away prices for some vested interests which will harm the varsity’s own interests.
He termed the management’s initiative against the rules to establish “an institution within an institution” and said this land will be required to cater the varsity’s needs in future.
Another professor of the university, on condition of anonymity, said the varsity’s syndicate committee, authorised to deal with the issues, has already rejected the plan and there is no question to go ahead with it.
He said the most expensive piece of land on prime location is being gifted for some certain interests of the people and termed the vice chancellor’s step as commercial initiative which will not serve the cause of education.
Vice Chancellor of the varsity Dr Javaid Ashraf, however, clarified that the land is neither being leased nor sold to any party rather it is being given as a gift for educational purposes.
He said the land would be offered to Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) near Murree road Bhara Khau and “it will give us Rs 500 million in return. It is a deal between the two government organisations”, he added.
The PIDE institute intends to expand its operation by receiving 17-acre land from Quaid-e-Azam University to set up a full-fledge university.
