LAHORE: A number of Punjab University teachers and employees took out a rally in support of Dr Mujahid Kamran to counter the move of a group of other teachers who are against his appointment as interim vice chancellor.

On the call of the Academic Staff Association (ASA), the rally was held on the new campus. The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans “Welcome Dr Mujahid Kamran, Thank You Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for appointing Mr Kamran interim VC”.

ASA President Dr Hassan Mobeen Alam said the objective of the rally was to show strength against “some teachers and employees” who had established a so-called protest camp in front of the Punjab Assembly. He said these teachers were facing inquiries and they were joined by some suspended employees.

Mr Alam said Dr Kamran uplifted the academic and research graph of the university which increased the varsity’s world ranking. “The interim appointment of vice chancellor by chief minister is welcomed in the varsity because we want continuation of his policies. All teachers and employees of university want regular appointment of Mr Kamran,” he said.

ASA Secretary Dr Mahboob Hussain said Dr Kamran rid the university of hooliganism of a student union making the environment apolitical. “He made university economically strong and increased research grants,” he added.

PU Syndicate members Aamer Ijaz and Hafiz Rafique Ahmed also lauded the services of Dr Kamran and demanded continuation of his policies for further strengthening of research work.

Meanwhile, a group of PU teachers and employees continued their protest on Wednesday outside the Punjab Assembly against the interim appointment of Mr Kamran. They burnt the effigy of Mr Kamran and demanded that the chief minister remove him.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2016