LAHORE: The Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, has ordered an enquiry against its Additional Registrar (Establishment) Aslam Pervaiz for imprudent use of the word “protocol” in a notification regarding Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak’s visit to the university on Saturday.
The explanation letter, a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, states: “The prudent and rational use of words is a pre-requisite for making official correspondence. Contrary to this, you used very imprudent language while drafting/ issuing the notification under reference. Especially the word ‘protocol’ was highly objectionable which in turn, has invited annoyance from the high-ups. You are, therefore, directed to explain your position within three days of the issuance of this letter positively and clarify as to why strict disciplinary action should not be initiated against you for above said omission and commission.”
Earlier, a notification issued on September 19 by the additional registrar drew ire of the people on social media.
The notification read: “It is notified for the information of all employees of Gomal University that the university will remain open on 23rd September 2017 (Saturday) for giving due protocol on the occasion of the visit of PTI chief Imran Khan and KP chief minister in Gomal University”. The notification asked all the deans of faculties to ensure compliance accordingly.
Administration Director Dil Nawaz Khan said the enquiry has been ordered against the additional registrar and all those who conspired to politicise the visit of Imran Khan and Pervez Khattak. He said the notification has been superseded with a new notification and explanation has been sought from the additional registrar within three days.
“We are worried why some people conspired to politicise the event. In fact, the university is facing a financial crunch in addition to huge difficulties that are being witnessed in arranging the visit of Imran Khan and the chief minister. It could have earned the financially restrained university some grant to address its challenges. But unfortunately, as of now, the visit of Imran Khan and the chief minister may not be likely. There is no tradition of giving protocol to politicians in the university.”
He clarified that the word ‘protocol’ is used in the university for purely academic and research work. The use of word ‘protocol’ in this context refers to conformance with proper procedure in research projects.
Talking of Imran Khan’s visit, he said, “We have planned a simple ceremony in which Imran Khan and the chief minister will visit the university on a helicopter. Following refreshments and meeting with the faculty, Khan will address the students and share the details of the billion trees tsunami project with them. Lastly, Khan is scheduled to address the media.” The administration director held that the new notification in supersession of September 19 notification by the additional registrar has been issued.
The new notification said: “It is notified that Imran Khan will be visiting Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan on 23-9-2017.”
Gomal University Staff Welfare Officer Binyamin Khan also confirmed that the earlier notification for ensuring attendance of faculty for giving protocol to Imran Khan and Pervez Khattak has been superseded with a new notification. “The university faculty has not been asked to come on Saturday as usual.”