DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The Gomal University will reopen on Monday (today) as a committee has been constituted to resolve the issues leading to its closure.

According to a notification issued by the deputy registrar here on Sunday, Vice-Chancellor Prof Iftikhar Ahmed had ordered reopening of the university for the academic activities from Monday (Sept 19).

The administration had closed the university for an indefinite period over alleged threats hurled at the vice-chancellor by former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur amid continued protests by students over expulsion from hostels. However, the vice-chancellor says the expelled students were either those having already graduated or political activists.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Tank district president Samiullah Khan Burki is stated to have played an instrumental role in reopening the varsity.

On the directives of prime minister’s adviser Amir Muqam, Mr Burki held talks with the opposing parties, including the vice-chancellor and the protesting students.

“After the brainstorming discussions, the participants reached a consensus that university will reopen from Monday,” Samiullah Burki said in a statement.

He said that the huddle also decided to constitute a committee to resolve all the matters, which led to a sticky situation and the university had to suspend educational activities.

Mr Burki said that the federal government would continue to extend support and resolve the problems being faced by the people. He said he also met with students, who had decided to call off their protest.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Ahmed appreciated Samiullah Burki for extending his services to save precious time of students.

Similarly, students’ representatives also expressed satisfaction and willingness to end the protest and join classes.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2022