Principal reshuffle policy advocated to prevent complacency

Islamabad : With issues like stagnation, mismanagement and falling academic standards plaguing Islamabad’s government colleges, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) continues to turn a deaf ear to calls for rotating principals.

Educators insist that long stints-beyond five years-as principal at a college causes complacency, unchecked authority and, in some cases, abuse of power, weakening the learning environment.

“Principal reshuffle is vital for institutional growth, exchange of the best practices, and accountability,” a college’s senior faculty member told ‘The News’.

According to him, Dr Muhammad Khalid, who has been serving as principal at Islamabad Model Postgraduate College H-8 since January 2021, is under fire over the steep academic decline.

“At H-8 college, the FA/FSc exam results plunged from 64.37 per cent in 2022 to 39.58 per cent in 2024-the lowest among FDE colleges,” he said, blaming the principal’s disinterest in student affairs and administrative fatigue. The teacher said staying too long at a principal’s position led to stagnation, which harmed the educational institute.

“A fresh perspective is needed and that will comes with principal rotation policy only,” he said.

Similarly, Shazia Wazir, who has headed Islamabad Model College for Girls I-14/3 since July 2020, faces allegations of irregular duties and financial mismanagement, with claims she forced the drawing and disbursing officer into signing blank cheques drawn from student funds.

The teachers said such instances underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive policy on the appointment and transfer of principals to ensure accountability and prevent unethical practices.

They, however, complained that the FDE was unwilling to implement a reshuffle policy.

“Lack of action on part of the regulator suggests tolerance or even complicity,” said a teacher. “There’s no check and balance.”

While Prof Javaid Iqbal Mughal’s six-year tenure at Islamabad Model College for Boys, H-9 as principal has brought improvements, concerns have been raised about complacency and the concentration of power.

Educators suggested his transfer to underperforming colleges, saying his expertise will help boost educational standards.

They also called for the posting of Islamabad Postgraduate College of Commerce, H-8/4 principal Waqas Aziz, recognised for his administrative capabilities but denied appointment in accordance with his seniority, to a struggling institution to enhance both academic and operational standards.

The teachers noted that Professor Zahoor Ahmad, who has been acting as principal of IMCB, Sihala since October 2020, has improved academic results at his rural college, but his attempts to transfer to a centrally located college had been blocked due to a lack of influence within the FDE.

Similarly, IMCG, Humak; Principal Dr Humaira faces challenges due to her long daily commute.

However, Ayesha Kiyani, a junior officer, secured the principal’s position at IMCG, F-7/4, one of the city’s top girls’ colleges, reportedly due to her influence within the FDE and education ministry, bypassing senior and more qualified candidates.

A woman teacher criticised authorities for favouritism during appointments and wondered how excellence could be achieved when key administrative postings are not ‘merit-based.’

An official of the FDE acknowledged the issue and advocated for the principle of right person for the right job.

“I agree that transferring principals just as they begin to perform is counterproductive, but indefinite postings breed complacency, so there needs to be a rational reshuffle policy for college principals,” he told ‘The News’.