IIUI faculty raises transparency, accountability concerns over VP academics’ conduct

The Academic Staff Association (ASA) of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) has expressed serious concerns over the performance and conduct of Prof. Dr. Abdul Rehman, Vice President (Academics)/A&F, accusing him of adopting an authoritarian approach and failing to address key issues affecting faculty members.

In a statement issued Thursday, the ASA criticized Dr. Rehman for his “bossy demeanor” and lack of empathy towards colleagues, describing it as “particularly troubling” given his position as one of the junior-most professors.

The association highlighted Dr. Rehman’s inability to resolve the longstanding issue of faculty members’ joining dates with the Board of Governors (BoG). Despite assurances from the university’s Rector, the BoG recently reversed its earlier decision on the matter, causing distress among faculty members.

The ASA described this as a “regressive step,” particularly as the university’s Selection Boards are often delayed for years.

The ASA also raised concerns about Dr. Rehman’s handling of salaries for lab engineers and Teaching and Research Assistants (TRAs) who obtained PhDs during their ad hoc appointments.

It stated that salary refixation policies had resulted in pay reductions and arrears, adding financial strain to affected staff.

The statement criticized Dr. Rehman’s “anti-faculty stance” and delays in scrutiny and selection processes, which have further stalled promotions and new appointments.

“Dr. Rehman has continuously hindered the scheduling of Selection Boards, despite the urgency of addressing faculty appointments and promotions,” the ASA said, accusing him of inefficiency and perpetuating a culture of adhocism.

The association further alleged that Dr. Rehman resisted measures to resolve salary anomalies, such as allowances for recently promoted teachers and adopting revised orderly allowances, describing his approach as bureaucratic and unsupportive.

The ASA added that Dr. Rehman’s tenure has been marked by a lack of transparency and accountability.

Faculty members have reportedly been excluded from critical administrative decisions, and delays in addressing grievances have undermined morale and academic progress across departments.

Calling for immediate action, the ASA urged the IIUI administration to address these concerns and eliminate unnecessary hurdles to ensure a supportive environment for the faculty.

“It is imperative that the leadership takes meaningful steps to resolve these issues without further delay,” the statement concluded.