Punjab University & Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) controversy over employee's death
Punjab University employee's death sparks controversy
Lahore, Aug 09, 2008: The Punjab University administration and the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) have locked horns over the death of a PU deputy registrar (admin 2).
Two pamphlets, each claiming to be truth, are circulating on campus in this regard.
IJT's pamphlet: The IJT's pamphlet is based on a letter that was published in an Urdu daily on August 6. The letter blamed the PU vice chancellor (VC) for the death of Muhammad Munir Chughtai.
PU's pamphlet: The second pamphlet, circulated by the PU administration, denies these allegations and says that the PU VC was actually very kind to Chughtai.
According to the pamphlet, Chughtai's family members had issued a statement with their signatures and thumb impressions, saying that the PU VC had nothing to do with Chughtai's death.
Death probe: Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA) President Dr Mumtaz Salik demanded that PU Chancellor/Governor Salmaan Taseer form an independent committee to probe Chughtai's death.
The employees, faculty and students have shown concern about Chughtai's death. Some PU employees alleged that the PU VC had threatened Chughtai with suspension from service.
The PU administration, however, claimed that a few PU employees and IJT activists were trying to defame the VC.
The PU administration on Thursday issued a press release, saying that it would take stern action against the employees who were trying to black mail the PU VC. The press release claimed that IJT activists who had been expelled from the university were maligning the VC.
Least bothered: PU VC Mujahid Kamran said on Friday that he was not bothered by the news items published against him. PU Public Relations Officer Shabbir Sarwar, however, blamed the IJT activists for creating mess.
PU IJT Media Secretary Muhammad Rehan demanded that the government conduct a fair inquiry in this regard.
Students: PU student Muhammad Kashif said, "A fair inquiry into the death can shed light on the truth."
Another PU student Hamid Khan said, "If the VC is in anyways responsible for Chughtai's death then he should be sacked."
