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As Quaid-i-Azam University grapples with mounting financial crises and administrative challenges, with students taking to the streets in protest, a lingering issue continues to cast a shadow over the institution’s reputation.
The American Study Center, a crucial center for international research and diplomatic exchange, has remained without a permanent director for more than twelve years, raising serious concerns about administrative stagnation and the potential impact on academic integrity, sources disclosed yesterday.
Sources close to the university reveal that, despite the Area Study Centre for Africa, North, and South America’s importance, the permanent position of Director’s vacancy has persisted since Dr. Islam’s retirement in 2013. While other institutes within QAU have appointed stable leadership, the American Center remains adrift, its corridors whispering with the footsteps of faculty and students alike.
The faculty, comprising six senior assistant professors, has expressed frustration over stalled promotions and an opaque selection process. They emphasize that leadership must be based on merit, warning that continued delays threaten the center’s credibility.
Amidst this backdrop, the name of Dr. Raja Qaiser Ahmed has surfaced prominently. Once a prominent figure in the Department of International Relations, he took a lengthy leave to London before briefly returning for the National Overseas Convention. Sources said that Vice Chancellor Dr. Niaz Akhtar has forwarded a summary to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) proposing his appointment as director. However, Qaiser’s rise has been mired in controversy, with critics questioning his academic tenure and administrative credentials, particularly his promotion from assistant to associate professor amid scrutiny.
Sources indicate that efforts are underway to appoint a controversial figure rejected by faculty members, sparking concern among academic circles. Faculty members insist that the appointment process should prioritize transparency and merit to preserve the university’s integrity.
As Quaid-i-Azam University faces mounting administrative and financial challenges, the future of the American Study Center is in jeopardy. Will it finally be led by qualified, transparent leadership, or continue to be overshadowed by political and personal agendas? The coming weeks may determine whether this esteemed institution restores its scholarly vigor or remains a symbol of administrative inertia.
