Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PK) Governor Haji Ghulam Ali has summoned Gomal University vice-chancellor, Prof Dr. Iftikhar for a personnel hearing on Dec 20 (tomorrow), reporter 24NewsHD TV channel.
Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan VC Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad has repeatedly been sent on forced leave over his alleged defiance of the provincial cabinet and university senate directives about asset distribution with the newly formed Agriculture University, Dera Ismail Khan.
Amid a rift between VC Dr Iftikhar Ahmad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government over an issue of division of assets between Gomal University and the newly established Agriculture University DI Khan, former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur had also allegedly threatened the VC of dire consequences and demanded his immediate resignation.
The VC, in a letter, informed the KP governor regarding alleged life threats to him and his family from the PTI’s leader and sought his directives.
The VC also complained to the governor that the ex-federal minister was interfering into in the university’s affairs and provoking students being led by the ex-students as well against him and publicly supporting them”.
After an aggressive campaign against the VC by Insaf students, Dr Iftikhar was sent on forced leave in April this year for 90 days. The forced leave was extended for another three months.
However, two days before the expiry of the second term of the forced leave, the vice-chancellor rejoined his office after a decision of the Peshawar High Court. The matter of his rejoining the university was much highlighted in the media and it was referred to as illegal and unlawful as no official notification had been issued for the purpose. Later, the VC was sent on forced leave for the third time for 90 days. Now when the forced leave of the VC was about to end on December 19, the HEC once extended his forced leave.
On the other hand, KP Ghulam Ali summoned him for a personal hearing on Tuesday, in addition to the Governor, five more officers will be included in the hearing panel. It is expected that his forced leave will be ended after the meeting.