Muhammad Jehangir Khan writes letter to Governor KP for technical & financial support needed for The Gomal University & its retired employees

DERA ISMAIL KHAN/PESHAWAR, Sec 27 (SABAH): Muhammad Jehangir Khan, retired Principal Law College Gomal University (resident beside Pak Pearl School and College, Multan Road, Dera Ismail Khan, cell 0334-9825646) has written a letter to Governor Khyber Pakhtunkwha Haji Ghulam Ali, who is also the Chancellor of KP Universities, for Technical and financial Support Needed for The Gomal University and its retired employees.                  

The letter says “I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am writing to you today on behalf of Gomal University’s retired employees. The University is second to Peshawar University and the most esteemed educational institution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is with great humility that I submit this appeal, seeking your immediate attention and assistance”.

The letter says Gomal University, established in 1974, in the public sector, has a rich history of providing quality education to the people of KP and beyond. Over the years, it has earned a well-deserved reputation as a leading institution in the region. However, some challenges of the recent past, including the Afghan war and the spread of terrorism, have diverted the government’s focus towards security and counter-terrorism activities in our province, leaving Higher Education and universities somewhat neglected.

The letter says in the 80s, Gomal University, along with Peshawar University, successfully met the educational needs of students from across KP, FATA, and the Northern areas. However, the 90s brought a surge in the establishment of new Universities with some political objectives, and without adequate planning and vision. While the intent to provide education accessible to all is commendable, the lack of proper planning has led to a proliferation of universities and sub-campuses, making them employment exchanges, straining the public exchequer promoting a culture of inbreeding and compromising the quality of education within the university.

The letter says this situation has forced old universities to prioritize revenue generation for survival, diverting their focus from the core objectives of research and enlightenment in higher education. Gomal University, situated in the southern reaches of the province, has been particularly disadvantaged and marginalized. Despite the relentless efforts of its dedicated faculty and administration, they are struggling to meet their educational needs and basic utility bills.

The letter says one pressing concern is the inability to pay pensions to retired employees since 2016, causing immense hardship to retirees who have dedicated their lives to education. This issue without their fault is causing immense suffering to retired employees, their dependents, widows, and orphans who are struggling to make ends meet.

“We humbly request your urgent intervention in this matter, not just as a matter of duty but as an act of compassion and humanitarianism. By addressing the financial deficit faced by Gomal University and resolving the pension issue, you can help alleviate the suffering of hundreds of retired teachers and their families who have served the cause of education in KP and Pakistan as a whole” the letter says.

“We beseech you to come forward and safeguard the dignity honor and well-being of these retired educators who deserve our support and assistance. As the ultimate employer, the provincial government holds a crucial moral and contractual responsibility, and the Higher Education Department is the supervisor of university affairs” the letter further says.

”We extend our heartfelt thanks and regard to you for considering this appeal and assisting us in this critical matter. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have contributed so much to the noble cause of education” the letter concludes.

The copies of the letter have also been sent to the Chief Minister through Chief Secretary KP, The Vice Chancellor Gomal University, the Core Commander Peshawar Core Headquarters, The Chairman HEC Islamabad, The Chairperson /Head of provincial HED Peshawar, The Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan, In charge Human Rights Association of Pakistan Peshawar chapter, In charge of administration of Peshawar Press Club and media information and In charge of Dera Press Club.