PIFD dispute: Senate orders probe, 13 accusers to be summoned as senator demands fair inquiry

Summary The dispute concerns alleged failure by the university's vice chancellor to follow directions issued by the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt said she had acted as a facilitator in her role as chairperson of the Senate education committee and had forwarded complaints received to the relevant authorities. The committee also examined a complaint by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri about the alleged inappropriate behaviour of Airports Security Force personnel during searches of parliamentarians and passengers at Karachi Airport. AI Generated Summary Islamabad: The Senate Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has ordered a detailed investigation into a dispute involving the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design after Senator Bushra Anjum Butt raised concerns that teachers called for questioning at her request had faced pressure. The committee has decided to summon 13 individuals who levelled allegations against the senator and examine their positions before reaching a decision. The dispute concerns alleged failure by the university's vice chancellor to follow directions issued by the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training. During the meeting, the committee chairman sought an update on an inquiry assigned to Saleh Farooqi and asked for the inquiry report so the matter could move forward on the basis of its findings. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt said she had acted as a facilitator in her role as chairperson of the Senate education committee and had forwarded complaints received to the relevant authorities. She raised concerns about the fairness of the inquiry and called for an impartial examination of the complaints. The chairman noted that 13 individuals had made allegations against the senator and asked her to present any evidence available to her. Bushra Anjum Butt repeated her concerns and called for a fair decision based on the evidence. Senator Saadia Abbasi told the committee that a decision from the inquiry committee was expected the following day. After discussion, the committee approved the formation of a subcommittee to examine the case in detail and summon all 13 individuals to present their positions. Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan was appointed convener of the subcommittee, with Senators Dost Ali Jaisar and Jan Muhammad as members. The committee stressed that the matter must be dealt with fairly and according to the relevant rules and regulations. The committee also expressed displeasure over the absence of the federal education minister and the education secretary. The chairman said the officials should have informed the committee in writing about their inability to attend. He also noted that members of the university's Senate had previously been invited to a meeting through Zoom but had not joined. He directed that show cause notices be issued to the absent university Senate members. In another matter, the committee took up a privilege motion moved by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan over alleged unparliamentary conduct and remarks during a standing committee discussion. The chairman said a letter seeking the minister's response had already been sent, but no reply had been received. Expressing displeasure over the minister's absence, the committee directed that another letter be issued. The matter was deferred until a response is received. The committee also examined a complaint by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri about the alleged inappropriate behaviour of Airports Security Force personnel during searches of parliamentarians and passengers at Karachi Airport. The committee was informed that an inquiry response had been received and that the official concerned had been transferred to another location. Senator Saadia Abbasi said the issue also affected ordinary citizens and warned that alleged misuse of authority could damage public trust in elected representatives. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri questioned the legal basis for searches of passengers' belongings and said such checks should be carried out only when required for security and in line with the law. She called for the concerned official to explain the authority under which the searches had been conducted. The chairman directed that the official and other relevant officers be summoned to the next meeting. He also ordered professional training for the personnel concerned to ensure passengers are treated with dignity, respect and courtesy.