LAHORE: University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) former vice chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan has expressed disapproval of the recent dismissal of 228 staff members in an open letter to Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider. Last week, the governor ordered dismissal of 228 teachers and other employees appointed or promoted at the UAF by its former vice chancellor during the last month of his four-year tenure. The chancellor cited lack of advertisements of posts and qualification issues as reasons for dismissal of the employees. Reports alleged that former VC Prof Iqrar Ahmad held five syndicate meetings in a row to approve these appointments weeks before his retirement. Asks affected staff to move court According to the order passed by the governor, there were 103 fresh and 125 old cases of promotions of different cadres, including professors, assistant professors, lecturers, deputy registrars, deputy controllers etc. The appointments included the officers from BPS-17 to 21. The letter, which was shared with Dawn, outlines Dr. Iqrar’s concerns and calls for a reconsideration of the governor’s decision. It highlighted several points including the importance of transparency and adherence to statutory processes in university appointments. He refuted the governor’s claim that the appointments were made without proper advertisement, stating that the VC did not have the authority to make such appointments in grades 17-21 without following the legal procedures. According to Dr Khan, the university’s recruitment process involves a thorough evaluation of candidates’ eligibility, with opportunities for appeals and expert reviews. He said the governor’s order disregarded the established procedures which would result in a significant setback for the university’s academic and research quality. Dr Khan also pointed out the critical need for faculty members at UAF, citing the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) standards that require at least 1,100 faculty members for 35,000 students across five campuses. Currently, the university has only around 700 full-time faculty members, leading to a strained teacher-student ratio. The former VC further criticises the governor’s timing and motives, questioning why the governor waited until after the retirement of the sitting VC to take action. He also alleged that the governor’s decision was politically motivated and aimed at punishing him, rather than addressing any genuine concerns about the appointments. Dr Khan urged the affected staff members to challenge the governor’s order in court, rather than seeking a review appeal. He said the order lacks transparency and legal validity, and vows to fight for justice for the dismissed staffers and the integrity of the university’s statutory bodies.