DERA GHAZI KHAN: Delay in MPhil viva voce exam at Ghazi University has affected 700 students of three sessions -- 2021 to 2023, 2022 to 2024, and 2023 to 2025.

The students from various disciplines have been awaiting their viva voce for the past years despite completing the required two years of study. Students have expressed their frustration, with one MPhil Linguistics student lodging a complaint on the Prime Minister’s Complaint Portal.

The reason behind the oral exam delay is that the Board of Advanced Studies and Research has not met to approve thesis topics for evaluation, a crucial step before the viva voce can be scheduled.

This administrative delay, compounded by the fact that board meetings have not been held for over a year, has exacerbated the issue. The board is mandated to meet twice a year, but this has not occurred.

Although the Vice Chancellor can provide anticipatory approval in the absence of board meetings, this authority is currently vacant.

The situation can be resolved by convening a board meeting within the next 15 days.

Ghazi University comprises 22 departments, including seven agricultural departments, all affected by this delay.

Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, the outgoing vice chancellor, whose term ended on June 4, said this is an important issue. “If given an extension, I will prioritise resolving this matter,” he said.

He cited administrative delays and ongoing litigation in the high court as contributing factors.

Efforts to obtain an official comment from Dr Abid Alvi, the acting competent authority and Registrar of the university, were unsuccessful.

Truckers: Truckers have refused to call off their strike till the acceptance of their demands but assured to continue negotiations with the administration to resolve the issue after holding a meeting with Commissioner Dr. Nasir Mahmood Bashir to discuss axle load management concerns.

Dr. Bashir said overloaded vehicles contribute to highway deterioration and increase accidents, highlighting the need for compliance to protect infrastructure and ensure safety. He acknowledged the truckers’ peaceful protest and promised to convey their concerns to the government, noting the financial impact of weight limits on transporters, especially those hauling heavy materials.

Truckers also raised issues about illegal road checkpoints.

Dr. Bashir requested a comparative analysis of axle load policies between DG Khan and other cities in Punjab. The meeting concluded with a commitment to finding balanced solutions.

The truckers suspended their business of loading last week. They have been protesting against the axle load management system and government policy.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024