The vice-chancellors of public sector universities of Sindh have condemned Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif’s recent remarks during the National Assembly session in which the vice-chancellors were called “robbers”.
“We strongly condemn the minister’s statement and demand that these remarks be excluded from the proceedings of the August House, National Assembly. We also demand a public apology”, the VCs told National Assembly Speaker Raja Mohammad Pervez. Wrote in a joint letter. Ashraf.
Such a statement, the VCs wrote, not only undermined their significant contribution to the education sector but also had far-reaching implications for youth in terms of employment prospects and access to scholarships.
As custodians of the higher education sector in the country, despite the government’s apathy and lack of support towards higher education, “we have striven tirelessly” to create an environment conducive to learning, Develop innovation and intellectual skills.
“Our collective efforts, along with dedicated faculty members, staff and students, have helped shape the future of countless young people who are contributing to society in diverse fields,” he highlighted.
He said that just a few months ago, the Speaker of the National Assembly invited the VCs to attend the National Assembly on the occasion of Constitution Day. This gesture highlighted the important role of Vice Chancellors in shaping the future of our nation through education.
“Hence, it is disheartening to witness such derogatory comments directed at the Vice Chancellors who were the guests of honor at August House recently.”
The VCs said they believe in healthy debate and constructive criticism, which are essential for the growth of any sector. Public representatives should be careful and respectful in their choice of words.
Describing VCs – who carry enormous responsibilities – as “robbers” not only shows a lack of understanding but also undermines the entire higher education community.
The letter added that such disparaging comments “demoralize” vice-chancellors, faculty members and staff, hampering their motivation and dedication to their roles.
It is important to note that the implications of this statement are more than mere rhetoric, the VCs added, adding that the youth of Pakistan, who are the future of our nation, are directly affected by the perception of our education system. .
He said that the minister has unwittingly cast doubt on the quality and integrity of our institutions, thereby jeopardizing the prospects of our youth in seeking employment opportunities, admissions and scholarships at the national and international levels.
He added that the term undermines the trust that international organizations and institutions have in our education system, potentially affecting collaboration, research partnerships and scholarship.
The letter read, “We strongly believe in the power of dialogue and collaboration to solve problems and improve the higher education landscape in Pakistan. However, for such constructive engagement, mutual respect and understanding are essential.” And understanding must prevail.”
The VCs urged Khawaja Asif to reconsider his choice of words and refrain from derogatory remarks that harm the efforts of the Vice Chancellors and the higher education community.
“We seek a public apology for the derogatory statement made against the Vice-Chancellors, along with a commitment to foster a more positive and respectful environment for collaboration and growth in the higher education sector.”
They also want whether the remarks made in the NA can be expunged from the official record of proceedings, as they do not reflect the dignity and ethics expected of our elected representatives.
“We trust that you will give due consideration to our concerns and take appropriate action to remedy the harm caused by this statement. We look forward to your prompt response and a positive way forward”.
‘Serious repercussions’
Pakistan People’s Pakistan (PPP) leader Nafeesa Shah termed the defense minister’s remarks as insulting, saying it had “serious implications” for the country’s higher education institutions.
Taking to Twitter, Shah wrote: “The derogatory remarks by Defense Minister #KhwajaAsif in the #NationalAssembly today against all #ViceChancellors can have a serious impact on #Pakistan’s higher education institutions outside the country and the world and they can further damage the prospects and careers of .Thousands of students are studying in these institutions.
“I remember how Aviation Minister #Ghulam Sarwar Khan in the previous government made a very clear statement about pilot degrees and as a result our national airlines came to a standstill.”
Further, he said that Asif should publicly apologize to the VCs and supported their demand that the remarks be expunged from the record of the House.
“The # Vice Chancellors of # Sindh have demanded a public apology from the minister and asked the # Speaker to delete the remarks in the statement below.
“Hope the minister withdraws his statement as demanded by the Sindh VCs in this letter. As VCs are working under severe financial constraints as #HEC funding is very less from the federal government.”
Shah added that government universities in Sindh were not being given “full support” and all civilian institutions should be respected.
“In the case of government universities in Sindh, if the Sindh government is not providing them with full support, they will be in dire straits. As responsible officials, we should respect our institutions.
“Finally we are all unanimously condemning the May 9 attacks on our institutions. Equally important is respect for civilian institutions and especially our universities. The individual mistakes of a few officials should be blamed on the entire leadership of higher education. cannot be made public for condemnation.”
