LAHORE - Dozens of students of Bahauddin Zakariya University Lahore Campus continued protest demonstration yesterday against cancellation of affiliation with BZU Multan.
On the second day of the protest, the protesters again blocked the Canal Bank Road which caused huge traffic jam. They were chanting slogans against the administration of the university and were demanding the higher authorities to save their future by saving their two precious academic years. They alleged the administration of university established such bogus campus of BZU for deceiving the students and minting money ensuring the students on the time of admissions that their university was affiliated with BZU Multan.
The students were of the view that they were paying heavy amount as fees for the last two years and they while paying their fees were satisfied because they thought they were studying in a prestigious educational institution.
The students disclosed that scam unearthed last week when the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested former vice-chancellor of BZU Khawaja Alqama for an alleged embezzlement of millions of rupees.
Protesting students were also demanded the government seeking accountability of the administration with returning their money and two academic years.
It may be mention here that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, took notice of the issue on Monday directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to probe the matter on priority basis. He also directed the commission to submit the inquiry report as soon as possible.
Later, after assurance of resolution of problems by Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan and Secretary Higher Education, the girl and boy students of Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU) Lahore sub campus ended their protest. The Minister assured the representative delegation of students that educational career of students of BZU sub campus will be safeguarded and degrees will be awarded to the students completing educational course. He said that educational future of any student will not be allowed to destroy. The legal status of BZU Lahore campus was not affected due to arrests and embezzlements by some persons, therefore, the students should continue their studies, he added.
Talking to a representative delegation of girl and boy students at Lahore Education Board, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said that Chief Minister Punjab considers students and youth as a guarantee to bright future of Pakistan and he has always displayed a sympathetic attitude towards them. On special instructions of Chief Minister, students of sub campuses of all universities should be sure that government will not allow their educational year and fees go waste. He said that protection of future of these students is basic responsibility of the government. He said that those involved in embezzlement in BZU Lahore campus will meet their logical end, however, there is no fault of students in this matter as acquiring education is their basic right. Replying to a question, Rana Mashhood Ahmed said that Provincial Education Department has directed Vice Chancellor BZU to continue educational session in Lahore campus as per routine and issue degrees to pass out students. He said that decision of such 11 campuses including BZU Lahore campus will be taken on permanent basis within next few days however, it is a laid down policy that the interest of students studying there will not be affected.