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PU needs to tighten clamp on IJT in 2007
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Lahore, Feb (Daily Times): Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT) – the student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami – has deep
roots in Punjab University (PU), but the university administration managed to
keep a check on extremism on campus in 2006. This is exactly what is expected of
it this year as well. |
The administration defeated IJT on the campus, but
the situation has been different in the hostels, where IJT reigns supreme. Steps
such as putting a stop to IJT's book fair politics, starting a musicology
department on campus, the successful organisation of a performing arts festival
and the expulsion of 25 IJT activists have given the administration's anti-IJT
stance impetus.
Book fair controversy: In May 2006 the syndicate and
deans' committee disallowed external elements from holding functions on the
campus without the approval of the vice chancellor. However, IJT tried to hold a
book fair parallel to one being held by the PU. The university administration
then expelled a dozen IJT members and has not so far restored their status.
Musicology department: IJT and agitated after PU authorities announced
the decision to start music courses and a musicology department. The
administration has since started off-campus – at the Alhamra Arts Council on The
Mall.
Performing arts festival: PU also held an inter-university
performing arts festival in November 2006.
The administration was
supported in its efforts by Chancellor Khalid Maqbool, but even he could not
start co-education classes in Hailey College of Commerce, a constituent college
of the university that remains under IJT influence. The issue has been the
proverbial pebble in the administration's shoe. The toughest hurdle it faces is
the PU faculty. For many teachers are IJT sympathisers if not
activists.
Some left-wing teachers have managed to break through on the
PU scene in the past few years, they have not been able to unite, and therefore
lack influence. IJT sympathisers have been winning the PU Academic Staff
Association elections for the past two years. Earlier, the association had
represented an equilibrium.
IJT again swept the 2006-2007 elections held
in December 2006 despite two rival groups forming an alliance to defeat it. The
PU administration has also ignored visits by Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal leaders to
the university. Liaqat Baloch, Fareed Paracha and Ehsanullah Waqas among other
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders have been seen meeting teachers on
campus.
Several IJT-backed teachers on the verge of retiring still occupy
senior academic and administrative positions. Stakeholders point out that saying
these men and woman are IJT's real strength.
They believe that breaking
IJT's hegemony will be a test for university administration or the government.
The university needs to support liberal elements on campus.
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| Education News | | Updated: 03 Feb, 2012 |
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