Apropos a news report appeared in Metro section of Dawn under the headline: “After KP, Sindh teachers rise up against HEC” on July 7, spokesperson for HEC Ayesha Ikram has claimed that the Sindh Teachers Association has dissociated itself from its contents.

The story was based on an open letter written to the prime minister by Dr Azhar Ali Shah, Vice-President of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association.

As far as allegations of ignoring quota while offering jobs, it may be reminded that no recruitment has been made in the last two and a half years. While commenting on the claim that smaller province are ignored, she said that funding is formula based, including student population, faculty strength, infrastructure, etc. are considered.

“There is no discrimination in needs-based scholarships and travel grants are not given on quotas but according to eligibility and quality of research papers,” she said.

The officer (Attique Rehman) was employed on Sindh quota. Later after a written request, he was repatriated. When his request was honoured his mind changed and started leveling a discrimination charge.

Published in Dawn, July 9th , 2014