PU ‘disowns’ employees’ housing scheme

LAHORE:The Punjab University issued a disclaimer on Thursday regarding a housing scheme launched by its employees stating it will not be liable for any fraudulent activities, but interestingly the university did not indicate any action against the employees involved in launching and promoting the scheme.

The notice highlights that some employees, under the banner of the Administrative and Technical Staff Association, are unlawfully using the university's name, logo, and premises to promote “Education City Lahore”. The university clarified that it had not authorised or approved any such private venture and advised against involvement in any transactions related to this scheme.

“They (the PU employees) are unlawfully and illegally using the name, logo, and premises of this university without any authorisation/approval of the competent authority (which otherwise is not even permissible under the university rules & regulations) and these employees are frivolously maneuvering/promoting the said private venture by circulating brochures as well as allotment letters of the said private residential scheme amongst the masses linked with the university,” reads the disclaimer which was also shared on different social media platforms by the university. It is pertinent to mention here that the accountability watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), had launched a probe into a dubious housing scheme of the university in 2021. The recent venture once again highlights the university administration's failure to take action against its staff involved in such ventures.

“The university issues this disclaimer notice clarifying that the university being an educational institution is not involved in the launch of any such housing scheme under whatever name it may be. The university employees and the public at large are advised to either avoid selling/purchasing and investing in any manner in the name of the Punjab University, and in case of any fraud, the university administration will not be responsible,” the notice further reads.

However, talking to The News a number of PU teachers and other officials said that besides issuing disclaimers it was the responsibility of the university administration to take action against its employees involved in such activities. A teacher, seeking anonymity, said that some of the employees involved in this venture were backed by a religio-political party and the university was helpless in taking action against them. PU Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam refused to comment saying only the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) could comment on this issue. Talking to The News PU PRO Dr Khurram Shahzad said that as per the registrar, the university could not share the communication with the employees involved in the venture to the media. However, he said an explanation had been sought from the employees.