UoB Scandal.

The University of Balochistan scandal has rocked the country. It is unimaginable and unthinkable that some of the officials of the university are involved in harassment of the students. But in such depressing moments, the vice-chancellor (VC) Dr Javed Iqbal of the varsity has taken the right step by stepping down from his office. Dr Javed stepped down from responsibilities to avoid conflict of interest and ensure the provision of an environment where the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) can carry out a fair investigation into the scandal. The FIA is busy in probing the university officials and recording their statements. However, the FIA team has not asked for any alleged victim in this regard. The failure of FIA to hear to the accounts of the alleged victims is the real surprise.

The university could have averted the scandal had the varsity officials acted according to a circular the Balochistan ombudsperson's office had issued in July this year. But such orders and circulars are rarely, if ever, acted upon in Pakistan, in general, and in Balochistan, in particular. Nonetheless, certain questions need to be asked. Is stepping down of the VC just another stunt? Whether stepping down of the VC, a welcome step indeed, will really help the investigative team to conduct the case fairly? Is FIA deliberately ignoring the existence of...