KGMC Dean to be removed on political grounds

Ishaq Khan

PESHAWAR: The incumbent Dean of Khyber Girls Medical College (KGMC), Prof Muhammad Noor is likely to be removed from the post on political grounds and would be replaced by a woman in violation of merit.

Prof Iqbal Begum who is expected to hold the position in coming days as her appointment would be in total violation of the rules and regulations. It has clearly been mentioned in Medical Teaching Institute (MTI) Act that Board of Governors (BoG) will exercise its administrative and recruitment powers to appoint Dean and Faculty. However, in this particular case, the BoG is likely to be bypassed.

During his tenure, Prof Muhammad Noor he is said to have introduced new teaching techniques and has more than 50 publications in field of medicine. He also has the honor of youngest professor and head of medicine department.

On the other hand it was learnt that Prof Iqbal Begum belongs to Swabi district and has excellent terms with Provincial Health Minister Shahram Khan Tarakai and and Speaker KP Assembly Asad Qaiser.

Sources claimed that if appointment of Prof Iqbal Begum took place, the move will not only harm the institution but would also affect the students, faculty members and others. The news of her appointment brings unrest among the students and faculty members.

Chairman BoG HMC, Dr Sahibzada Saeed when contacted for his comments said that selection of KGMC Dean has yet to be finalized and for this purpose, the set procedure will be followed. An advertisement will be given in media outlets and then short listing process will be carried out in this regard.

He further clarified that KP Assembly has passed a bill to recruit female Dean in Girls College and that BoG members are authorized to make required amendments in MTI Act.

Despite several attempts, Prof Muhammad Noor and Prof Iqbal Begum could not be approached for their views regarding the matter.