- The politician alleges that his rivals are attempting to defame him.
- Cheema wants a group of judges to investigate the matter.
- The minister says he is ready to be part of the investigation with his son.
Tariq Bashir Cheema, the Minister for National Food Security and Research, has expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing inquiry into the scandal at Islamia University Bahawalpur.
During a press conference at his residence in Bahawalpur, the minister refuted allegations of his son, Walidad Cheema, being involved in the case. He asserted that his political rivals are trying to defame him and his family.
Tariq Bashir Cheema, a senior politician from the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), called for the establishment of a commission comprising high court judges to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The scandal reportedly involves compromising videos and illegal activities, including the sale of drugs and prohibited medicines.
The minister stated that he is willing to cooperate with any inquiry committee alongside his son. He also made it clear that if any wrongdoing is proven against his son, he will personally expel him from their house.
Meanwhile, Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced that the investigation into the university scandal has been completed, and those responsible will face severe punishment. He further indicated the possibility of a judicial inquiry if deemed necessary.
The Case:
The scandal came to light this month when reports surfaced about illegal activities taking place at Islamia University Bahawalpur, including the sale and use of drugs and prohibited medicines.
Following these revelations, the university’s chief security officer, Ijaz Shah, was arrested a few days ago, while the director of finance, Muhammad Abubakar, had been arrested in June.
Forensics of the mobile phones belonging to both officers were conducted, and a comprehensive report containing videos, chats, and photos found on the devices was sent to Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Additionally, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Athar Mehboob, wrote a letter to the provincial police chief, declaring the cases against his colleagues as “false.” He also called for the formation of an investigation committee comprising senior officers to ensure a transparent inquiry into the matter. Dr. Mehboob claimed that some individuals, afraid of the university’s development, are attempting to defame it.
In response to the situation, the university formed an internal committee to probe the matter, and both the suspects were suspended. Furthermore, the university announced that it will conduct a drug test for all its employees, including the Vice-Chancellor, following the arrest of its officials.
The university’s public relations department released a statement asserting that the institution maintains a zero-tolerance policy against drugs on its campus, as per the guidelines of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
As a consequence of the scandal, the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Athar Mehboob, later resigned from his position.
The Bahawalpur varsity scandal involving illegal activities and compromising videos has drawn significant attention. The federal minister, Tariq Bashir Cheema, has denied any involvement of his son and called for a fair investigation. The authorities have promised to take strict action against those responsible, and the university is taking measures to uphold a drug-free campus. As the investigation unfolds, more details will likely emerge, shedding light on the extent of the scandal and its impact on the university’s reputation.
