Bacha Khan Univ reject probe report holding VC responsible

The Bacha Khan University authorities today decided to keep the varsity closed till foolproof security is provided, even as it rejected investigation committee report that held the Vice Chancellor responsible for the January 20 attack that killed 21 people.

The special meeting of the teaching and administrative staff with Vice Chancellor Fazl Raheem Marwat was called to review security arrangements and reopening of the varsity near here that has remained shut since the January 20 terror attack that killed 21 people, mostly students.

They also demanded the Ministry of Interior to provide at least 25 fully trained security guards to the varsity for security purpose.

Registrar of the University Professor Hamidullah and spokesman Saeedullah Khan Khalid said that the varsity has not yet received report of the investigation committee, constituted in the aftermath of the brazen attack.

The meeting rejected the committee’s findings holding the Vice Chancellor and Security Chief of the varsity responsible for the attack and threatened to protest against all government officers in Dera Ismail Khan jailbreak and other incidents of terrorism.

The meeting demanded judicial inquiry into the attack and said that Higher Education Commission was repeatedly asked to provide grant for security arrangements but all the requests remained unheard.

It was also decided to provide 100,000 rupees to bereaved families of the victims and cash prize to security guards who demonstrated valour during the attack.

The meeting vowed to defend the Vice Chancellor in case the authorities attempt to sack him.

The investigation committee, headed by Commissioner Peshawar Dr. Fakhre Alam, compiled a report which held the Vice Chancellor and security in-charge responsible for negligence.

Findings of the committee suggested that as many as eight guards were absent from their duties when attackers stormed the Bacha Khan University taking advantage of dense fog.

The university had not informed the administration about special routine followed on the day of attack pertaining to anniversary of Bacha Khan.

Report also stated that the Vice Chancellor had left the security responsibility with a PhD professor without discussing the matter with the syndicate.

The committee had recommended to sack the Vice Chancellor and security in-charge and hire trained security personnel on daily-wage basis.