UoK Faces Controversy Over ICCBS Director Appointment

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The appointment of a new Director at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi (UoK), has sparked controversy, with university stakeholders calling for the appointment process to be conducted strictly under the University of Karachi Act Code. The issue has drawn widespread attention due to alleged interference by former ICCBS Director Dr Iqbal Chaudhry, former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Dr Atta-ur-Rehman, and prominent donors, including Nadira Panjwani and Aziz Jamal.

Prominent university representatives have voiced concerns over the ongoing situation, calling on higher authorities to take notice of the situation. They are urging the university’s Vice Chancellor to convene a meeting of the KU Senate to ensure the implementation of model statutes for all university centers, including ICCBS.

The matter was highlighted during a meeting at the Staff Club on Wednesday, attended by University Syndicate Member Dr Riaz Ahmed, Senate Member Prof Dr Firdous Imran, Officers Welfare Association General Secretary Faisal Hashmi, Employees Welfare Association Representative Iftikhar Ahmed, Vice of Centers’ Dr Faiz Muhammad, ICCBS Action Committee Deputy Convener Muhammad Ali Kazmi, and Safeer Muhammad. The meeting also saw a large turnout of teachers, officers, and employees from ICCBS.

Dr Riaz Ahmed strongly criticized what he termed as “unnecessary interference” by retired professors and external donors in the university’s administrative matters. He stated that such interference has hampered the educational and research activities of ICCBS, resulting in distress for faculty, staff, and students.

“Dr Iqbal Chaudhry, during his 22-year tenure as director, deprived teachers, employees, and officers of their basic rights through illegal practices,” Dr Riaz remarked. “The Vice-Chancellor must take responsibility for the current critical situation at the University of Karachi. We must ensure that future appointments at ICCBS and other university centers are made in accordance with university statutes, free from external pressure or influence.”

Prof. Dr Firdous Imran called for a unified social media campaign to raise awareness about what she described as illegal interference in ICCBS affairs. She emphasized the need to restore transparency and fairness in university appointments and operations.

During the meeting, Dr Faiz Muhammad proposed the establishment of a uniform policy for all centers at the University of Karachi to prevent any individual or group from exploiting legal loopholes for personal gains.

Supporting these sentiments, Faisal Hashmi of the Officers Welfare Association expressed appreciation for those who raised their voices against what he described as lawlessness at ICCBS, promising the Association’s full support to the cause. Similarly, Iftikhar Ahmed of the Employees Welfare Association reiterated the Association’s commitment to standing with the oppressed and marginalized staff members.

Muhammad Ali Kazmi of the ICCBS Action Committee declared that staff, teachers, and officers would no longer tolerate any illegal maneuvering to appoint directors against university rules. He stressed that future appointments must be conducted transparently and through proper channels.

Addressing the gathering, Safeer Muhammad stated, “The 22-year dictatorship at ICCBS ended a year ago, and any attempts to restore that illegal domination will not be accepted. It’s crucial for the university’s future that appointments and administrative decisions align with the best interests of the institution and its stakeholders.”

As the situation unfolds, university authorities are under increasing pressure to ensure that the upcoming ICCBS director appointment adheres strictly to university codes, safeguarding the integrity and autonomy of the University of Karachi.