MULTAN: The Bahauddin Zakariya University syndicate has decided to grant one-time dispensation to Lahore sub-campus students and evolved a road map to this effect.

According to an of ficial handout, `The syndicate stands by its previous decision on declaring the subcampus illegal.

It said the issue of controversial campus was discussed and as per the directions of the provincial government, Chancellor Rafique Rajwana and the Lahore HighCourt, the meeting decided to grant one-time dispensation to students.

`However, the university will not be in a position to issue degrees until the withdrawal of stay orders and petitions filed by the campus administration. The university will own the students and issue them degrees by conducting their examinations as per university rules and regulations only after the withdrawal of lawsuit,` it stated.

The handout said the decision was taken in the best interest of the students and it would not affect the under trial cases of National Accountability Bureau.

One of the syndicate members told Dawn that during the meeting when the recommendations of the committee (constituted by the syndicate in this regard) to grant one-time dispensation to campus students was put before it, some of its members suggested that the proposals should be presented to the academic council (statutory body) for amending regulations for the issuance of degree to non-regular students of the campus declared illegal, but Vice Chancellor Dr Tahir Amin insisted that the approval be granted in this particular meeting.

He said on the insistence of the VC, some members said the registrar (also secretary syndicate) should then confirm in writing that the `proposal for one-time dispensation is according to BZU rules and regulations` while university`s legal adviser subsequently should vet it; however Registrar Dr Mutahir Iqbal flatly refused to do so.

He said consequently one of the syndicate members asked the VCto exercise his special powers on behalf of the academic council which he (VC) did not accept.

`Finally, the VC assured the house that the registrar will incorporate in the minutes of the meeting that the proposal is according to the rules and regulations of the BZU,` he said.

BZU spokesman Dr Abdul Qadoos Sohaib said students would be allowed to attend the qualifying examinations only after verification of their record by the university.

He said degrees would be issued only to students who would pass the qualifying examination and they would also be given two additional chances to clear the exam.

He said the syndicate meeting was held on the direction of Lahore High Court.

The syndicate removed PrincipalTextile College Gulzar Baig on misconduct and asked the VC to appoint a new head.

The case of Engineer Imran was sent to the university`s selection board to decide on his promotion.

Earlier, the approval to the effect was obtained from the syndicate bypassing the selection board. The objection to his promotion was raised by syndicate member Mian Zaf far Yasin.

The meeting extended the suspension period of former registrar Malik Munir and Distance Learning ex-director Dr Ishaq Fani for further 90 days while a onemember committee -Dr Bashir Ahmed Chaudhry -was constituted to initiate an inquiry under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act, 2006 against Dr Fani for his absence from duty.