A junior faculty member’s appointment as acting principal of the National College of Arts University (NCAU) has raised a few eyebrows among academic circles across the country, Pakistan Today has learnt.
Bashir Ahmed took charge of office on Saturday after Fauzia Qureshi retirement. Interestingly, the entire procedure was completed on a holiday to hide it from students and officials. Bashir was head of the Fine Arts Department and appointed as acting principal overstepping two senior candidates. According to rules, when a principal retires, he/she hands over charge to the most senior professor. NCAU administration ignored the fact that many cases are pending in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the appointment of juniors to senior posts by ignoring merit.
A notification via fax was sent from the Federal Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry to NCAU stating that Bashir has been appointed as acting principal. The office staff was also directed, through a circular, to be present on Saturday, which is rare because it is a day-off, for Bashir’s installation ceremony. According to sources, Bashir had moved the Supreme Court (SC) against the college administration for not giving him promotion.
According to a summary sent to the Federal Inter-Provincial Coordination Ministry in May, the NCAU management elevated a penal of three senior faculty members including Professor Shabnam Khan, head of the design department, Associate Professor Sajjad Kausar, officiating head of the architect department and Associate Professor Bashir Ahmed, head of the fine arts department, as suitable candidates for the slot. Shabnam is the only full professor in BPS-21 in NCAU and holds a PhD. The other two candidates are only masters in their disciplines and working in BPS-20. Kausar is also senior to Bashir.
Shabnam, who has been bypassed, completed her PhD from Harvard University, US, MA Art Education, US, MA International Education from Harvard University, US, Postgraduate Diploma in Design from PDI, Karachi and Diploma in Design from NCA.
The National College of Arts, Lahore Ordinance 1985 makes it mandatory for the federal government to appoint a regular principal upon retirement of a sitting incumbent within six months.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani holds portfolio of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and directly chairs meetings of the NCAU. When asked why a junior was appointed as principal on an a holiday, sources said, “Fauzia Qureshi is retiring on Saturday and technically the same day someone has to take the charge so Bashir took the charge on Saturday”.
On the other hand, strong resentment was seen among students and faculty members over appointment of a junior as principal. A faculty member, seeking anonymity, said that it is a tragedy that the federal government is directly dealing with affairs of the NCAU. She said that NCAU is a federal institution where art education is taught and now it seems that students will learn cheating and violation of rules.
A female student said that they were not expecting such a violation of rules, as incidents like this were not seen before the college became a university. She said that the PM had made NCA a university and students were expecting the graph of the varsity would rise but after becoming a varsity, corruption is gaining ground. She said that students are expressing their reservations by exchanging SMS and making phone calls and now it is the responsibility of federal authorities to decide on merit. She said that students, even from foreign countries, are studying here and this violation of merit is a surprise for them.
What is so surprising here? Corruption is seeped deep in the mind set of the ruling elite in this country. Merit in education is the sign of a nation/people's doom. Pakistan is axing itself. Where is govt? Where are people?
He didnt Approach for this post infect his knowledge is much much better he is founder of Miniature Degree in Pakistan which recognize and acceptable All over the World. He is the only one man, He is there because he Deserve this,
bashir di pen nu lun
beta. is dunia may creativity nahi hoti sirf innovation hoti hai.- bashir ahmed
tussi chutia de wich college kio anday ho? ghaar betho. aram kero. buhat shauk hai tu jao landscape kero. college de studio bund rehn dio.- bashir ahmed
This is obviously an article by the opposing lobby of faculty members who expected to gain grounds via the now very common cheapshot, also known as media propagation. Being a faculty member and not being from the Fine Arts Department, I can surely say that I would vote for Sir Bashir Ahmed anytime over Madam Shabnam. Who says he's the junior faculty member, he probably taught Ma'am Shabnam when she was doing her time here as a student. And she does not appear to understand how to proliferate the creativity in the students – as her classes are always so bland and academic. The real crisis is not of the administration but of the students, who have not yet opened their eyes to look beyond such mundane facades, thus resulting in pseudo-expressionism and a general lag in the role creative personnel can play in the shaping of a country's destiny.
P.S. Mr. Adnan Lodhi, or whoever the person is who actually PUT this article up, you should bother yourself enough to have a wider consensus and agreement on your so called authentic reports because as far as I know and have been talking tot the students too about this matter, far more people agree to the decision than those who don't. Things work differently here, people think differently, the saddest part becomes that one where the journalists fail to understand that nowadays
Opportunist teachers..by favouring Bashir you can get promotions but can not make fool studnts media and socity…you are my teacher but shame on you
shabnam khan was hardly seen here in college forthe past 10 years. whats the Phd for- her kitchen ? yea rite !
Guys – I think you are not familiar with the rigorous requirements of a Harvard PHD. Anyways, this is not too compare Shabnam Khan and Bashir Ahmed, but to pinpoint violation of rules n merit. Bashira in trouble deserves the highest praise since he has done a lot in his field, but Shabnam Khan is an esteemed scholar even in international academic circles who also teaches now at Harvard Universitry (do you know what means? This is an honor for Pakistan) , has an expertise in Art Education, Curriculum planning and Education Strategy-Planning and simply a PHD. All this stuff is important for a Principal position which needs someone visionary n academic. Being a great artist doesn't make you a good leader. And do you know it is mandatory for a Principal to have a PHD now at NCAU?
y know this article is fed to press by the cronies of Shabnam Khan,..,she, enjoyed 10 years unlawful leave, while drawing FULL salary, …she is currently been held accountable by college to pay back lacs of rupees. She shows up once a week, even now, while she is back. Do u guys read anything published by Harvard phd? None so far…google it..She is so full of herself that you event cant hear herself think. Her cronies, qudus and iram, even more suffocating…,who want to install her so then they rule the college through a idiot..
princpal ship needs MANAGERIAL SKILLS, not pseudo intellectualism. Bashir Ahamd's skills as a manager, though conservative, are far better than the 2 seniors.
so guys cool off….Dont always assume corruption in public affairs…..let there be some hope for t his country… plz dont spread further, rumours….conspiracies…enough for NCA..plz let this institution stay alive…for artsake!!!
@aamir hassan…. she doesnt teach at harvard, harvard has definitely some standard.the PHD requirement cannot be activated till hte formal university status ( which is going to come in place in maybe 6-8 months time)
hows can we assess shabnam khan's managerial skills when she was not seen in college for the longest time.I believe if someone is not taking the class room ethics and students' life seriously , he/ she cant be eligible for the post of principal.Surely Shabnam needs to compensate the time and money NCA has spent on her.she needs to make herself available first.
I dont intend to support bashir sb through this argument. but ive seen him around running a department , whereas shabnam is and was always in fight with her colleagues and has never been able to win one with her so called PHD cognitive skills
@Aniqa @art lover. How can Bashir Ahmed contribute anything to the department when he gave his joining from the Hospital? the man is so sick that he can't even operate n function properly. Poor guy goes to the hospital every 5 days due to heart problem n diabetes. No disrespect to the great miniature painter, but he is actually just a puppet whose strings are in the hands of corrupt people like Sajida Vandal who still want to control the college from outside. Shabnam's attendance was completely full. However, if she was slightly invisible since the past few yrs is because draconian Principals like Sajida Vandal did not leave any stoned unturned in creating obstacles in Shabnam's pursuance of her Harvard PHD. She tore away her Leave applications and threw them on her face n threatened her with dire consequences if she pursues the Doctorate. Because she was jealous of Shabnam pursuing a degree that no other person at NCA (or for that matter Pakistan) has attained. However, with constant threats n all possible options Shabnam qualified her PHD with Distinction n highest honors – one of the highest grades ever received for a Harvard Ed School Doctorate! Her Papers are used in the curriculum of Harvard. Do you know that? Pseudo-intellectualism?!!!! Are you kidding me? If only you would have had the privilege of sitting in one class at a place like Harvard U or Massachusetts College of Art you would understand the profound learning that one goes through. And Shabnam is indeed teaching at Harvard this very last SPRING semester. You can check the records of Harvard Graduate School of Education and contact Prof. Robert Kegan who chairs the department. This is the tragedy n travesty of this country. People who are appreciated in foreign institutions are not given due credit in inept, mediocre and lethargic political maneuverers at a place like NCA. Have you guys ever done something beyond NCA?
And by the way. Those who her know her can vouch that Shabnam is such a harmless nonchalant malang sort of a person that she has not even said a single thing about Bashir sb. who she greatly respects. She is an extremely apolitical person in the realm of work, is not part of any group bazi. She is true scholar types, oblivious of the political wheeling dealing required n would be last person who would want accolades, laurels and high positions. Hence, the idea here is not to get that 'Principal position', but to highlight the blatant violation of merit. Insider news is that the Prime Minister was categorically fed that Shabnam is anti-PPP. Not that this should warrant somebody's promotion, but again those who know her find Shabnam a true blue blooded Bhuttoist to the core. wat a joke! wat irony…
That is highly shameful. Mr Arsalan, your personal views about creativity, expressionism, boredom and blandness are your personal issues hence it is not very fruitful to discuss them on this matter that deals with the larger issues concerning administration and political positions. I wonder how much of this creativity is needed in the Principal's office, he should have stayed in the studios where he is very good. As for the student body, kindly give mr gillani his due at your convocation – izzat ka sawaaal hei jiggz- easy honay ka scene nahi hei.
@ aamir: o wow , this hosptal things great man!!! shows his commitment.
i wonder if she could have delivered some lectures at nca some time as well during the time she was drawing sallary and was in the invisible mode. i was her student and i want my assignments back.
another idea: she can stay at harvard and serve humanity , we can always skype chat with her (provided shes 'available')
satyana kya hai bashire na… sale ko aram ki nahi akhri aram ga ki zarorat hai Bashiray ko…. gandi yawa.
Having been a student of NCA, everyone is familiar with the lack of professional demeanor by which Mr. Bashir Ahmed conducts himself. Individuals like Sajjad Kausar are not only renowned scholars but pioneers in their field and regularly sought after for lectures abroad. Mr. Bashir on the hand has been spotted multiple times on campus in drunken fury with a vociferous ineptitude for professional behavior. Mr. Bashir surely does not deserve the title of principal and the responsibilities it bears as a representative of a cultured institution; one whose image he is/will-be unable to reflect through his uncouth self.
This wreaks of corruption. Had you ever had the opportunity to study under either Mr. Bashir or Prof. Sajjad Kausar, you would truly be able to tell the difference… even a monkey could.
Aniqa, let us get our assignments back from Madam Shabnam. she is so fastidious that she keeps all assignments ready to be delivered to students, with long coments..I am sure if you contact her, which you didn't earlier, you.'ll get your assignments…Waisay a pus kee baaat hai keh tum bhee jaan-tee hoa, and agree that she was a very committed and extraordinary teacher! Khalid Sahib got heart attack because he was after things that had nothing to do with academics..don't tell me you have such low standard that you compare KHAlId as teacher with Shabnam Khan! But may be you really think that way…upna , upna eye Q bhee hot a hai!!!!!
aniqa, one more idea! Go to Bahir Sahib for a job, which I know you are desperately seeking, you were also trying to get into Shabnam Khan' s inner cohort to get this job…but now your job is pukee at NCa…Good shot!
today the NCA faculty Union declared that they are with no one but with the rule of law. Shabnam Khan was senior and she should have been the person to replace Fauzia Qureshi. Fauzia Qureshi took charge from Nazish Attaulah only because FQ was senior most…By the way who appointed Bashir Ahmed? who is the authority? Sajjad Kausar is the second senior after Madam Shabnam Khan, and he is nice and scholarly too….who is with law? Pls raise hands!
@ everyone . agreeing with the rule of law here babies ! at the same time seniority doesnt come with the 'invisible mode'
@nasir pal : yeah she does, maybe when shes in a mood to check,im talking stuff dating 8-10 years back . ive heard shes back and is taking some theory classes, its good that she's atleast justifying her sallary now 😀
@nasir pal: your funny , why would i come back to pak when im happily settled abroad.
@TOC: yeah definitely sajjad kausar , serving the academics and students in college in 'the alwasy visible' mode
@kashif: i heard that too.and im glad opposite ends at NCA are finally sitting together on a table , for ehatever cause , atleast they would have greeted eachother with a smile.that should be a recorded begining.
Aniqa, you are invisible mode then how you know shabnam mam is invisible mode. The vandal principal took all classes from Shabnam madam, so how she can be visible, Kia baat kertee hoa aniqa, tum abroad bhee hoa aur Lahore bhee, I know YOU…baked Sajjad Kausar bauhat iChat hein…lain baat rules kee hai…I know you will not understand the rule thing…abroad settled people cannot talk against rules…you are living in your old mohalla, somewhere in Lahore…..abroad ka tum per NO asr..
This Bashir person himself, has no self respect? So many people do not want him, he should just resign? Sharam nahi aati na aese cheaters ko!
@ aniqa. Your comments are beyond laughable. Your extremely poor command of the English language is matched only by your inability to compose substantive arguments against Shabnam. It is interesting that you seem invested enough in the ongoings of NCA to express your [asinine] opinions in this forum, yet you claim to not care at all because you are “happily settled abroad.” How ironic.
@ everyone. The fact is the manner in which Bashir was appointed Principal completely bypassed NCA’s rules and regulations. And yes, while it is very easy to say “Pakistan mein aisa hee chalta hai,” his Principal-ship violates the guidelines that are supposed to run NCA. We must stand against this violation and demand that rules are followed. I personally do not care who becomes Principal as long the correct process is followed.
Please see this correspondence from 2003:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Writers_Forum/messa…
This argument is becoming an onslaught of personal opinions, from which i must not exclude myself, but we should realize whether procedures followed according to the law sustain the strength to actually deliver the results by the end of the day, or that they only fulfill the sole purpose of clearing our conscience (regarding the "rightful" mode of action). Ma'am Shabnam, Sir Bashir, Sir Sajjad are all respected teachers but they all have their traits, their weaknesses and qualities, just like the rest of us. The point would be to identify what lacks in the OUTPUT of the college, purely in terms of the work produced (as i am only concerned about that, other things like transparency and fulfillment of the job requirement are secondary), and that can be achieved by having a vision, a goal for this college to uphold the constantly redefined traditions and their consequent results. Sir Bashir, in my personal opinion, might not stay as the acting principal for long, but i believe that he can induce the spark of creativity, the flavour mandatory for any work of art.
Bhai Ram Singh (NCA's first principal when it was the Mayo School of Arts and Crafts), Madam Saleema Hashmi, Mr. Shakir Ali, and many others who revolutionized the college in terms of their work in every related field were never PhD holders, whilst in their times it was a mandatory requirement for universities abroad. The times are a-changing we all know, lets hope they lead us to a point where we can regret less and appreciate more. Peace
@ahmed : i never knew this was an ENGLISH ka paper. (hahahahahahaha )infact you have made my point very clear here ; judging people — sucha SHABNAM KHAN mentality !
and btw, my english is as fine as my german or urdu.its a comments bar baby , we are not following standard british diction here.
@arsalan : what you say is 100% right , BUT it will also be apropriate to pin point the inapropriate candidate.besides , president zardari is some london institute grad; his foreign degree doesnt reflect on our aspirations.
AND HEY !! ive heard he's an interim prinicpal, shabnam can always apply for the vaccant situation, if capable ,she would win .why are her supporters flagging a Phd ,which plowed no need during the past 10 years
*no seed
(Ahmed pls forgive me – hahahahahahhaha)
I'm supportng you Iram .ye dosti hum nahi chorein ge. shabnam gayi bhaar main
irum zia — the blood sucking vampire…. she has no manners to sit behind the head of textile table, how can she fit into the prinicpal's seat….poor NCA ,my love…surely your days are over
Iram n Qudus – You too Brutus. Set your loyalties right!
Rao Dilshad, what does he deserve?
This man is the most useless person on all accounts. He has entered in college through backdoor and used back door tactics to get a rise from 20,000 to 45,000 pm by no other than Nazish Attaullah. What a shame!
Iram zia — the wanna be jewellery designer now trying to be a wannabe prinicpal ….OMG !!she should be burried alive …. and qudus should be beheaded in the centre of chuburji
BEHNO AND BHAION !!!please convocation honay dijye , baad mein beshak aik doosray ko goli maar dain . hamari degree hamain mil jai bas
Basira is Basira he will play in the hands of illeagel registrar, which is also fucking basterd as he even nonsence, iram zaya is part of sex with qadus mirza and there is only one person who full fill all as principal that is sajjad kauser.
Haram zaday / zadyon ki list:
top shabnam haram zadi
iram zaya haram zadi, qadus mrza ki bahen bhe hay lakin donu bahen chood hain, registrar is a dala, basira sab ka dalal hay,
college ko college banoo en sab ko kise hera mandi bahjwaoo
madam shabnam is part of this fucking things.
Kuda kay wastay NCAU ko en shooroon say bachain or main request kerta hoon iram zaya and qadus mirza say kay wo sex kay leyai koie or jagah talash karain, bashira ncau choore day so that student pher sakain nakay hakim banain balkay artist banain, nca is a art coolege bahi es ko art college he rahnay doo, shabanm ko tu bangladesh baijh dain wahan ja ker kise nayi hero kay saath film main kaam karain, registrar tu hay he dala or college main dallali kerta hay, sab meel kay dawa karo or sajjad kauser ko principal banaoooooo……… talib daowa
i have done my graduation from NCA in 97! i need Shabnam khna’s email or phone no.
Thnaks!
Basheer is Prinicipal of NCA no more, lets take a collective sigh of relief.
bashir ahmad and sajjad kausar are both losers and idiots of a high calibre. Compared to a highly qualified person like shabnam, they shouldnt have been considered even. but well, politics wins everytime. now sajjad is taking his turn of enjoying the power and perks, something he didnt deserve at all. how unfortunate.
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