LAHORE: The Punjab Higher Education Department (PHED) took serious notice over the publication of a book by Punjab University Press which reportedly contains a controversial map of the country showing Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan as part of India.
The book titled CPEC Strategic Implications on Political Economy is written by Punjab University’s Political Science Associate Professor Rana Ejaz Ahmad and edited by former PU VC Zafar Mueen Nasir, Rana Ejaz Ahmad, and Zainab Ahmed. The book was published in April this year and its copies were available at various departments of the university.
According to sources, controversial maps were published on pages nine, 14, 28, 33 and 51 in which Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan were shown as part of India.
The matter came to light when a number of students informed the administration of the political science department.
The PHED officials on Monday raided libraries at the university to confiscate the book. They also started investigations over the publication and contacted the vice chancellor of the university as well as the public relations office to get further information.
On the other hand, PU VC Dr Niaz Ahmad has formed a three-member committee to deal with the matter.
Dr Ahmad stated that the matter was serious and that action would be taken against Rana Ejaz if he was found guilty.
Meanwhile, Professor Rana Ejaz Ahmad said that the entire matter was “just propaganda” and he had submitted his reply to the university administration over the issue. He added that “all maps include appropriate references and the book was published after a proper peer review of an international referee and a national referee. The maps on which the objections have been raised are those of One Belt Road, Silk Road, Railway Networking, but the fact is, the maps were published with complete references.”
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