The principal of Aitchison College Michael A Thomas has resigned in protest against the alleged political pressure to accommodate the children of a federal minister.
The principal in his resignation attributed his resignation to the conflict with Governor Punjab Baleegh-ur-Rehman over constant pressure for fee waiver of the children of Federal Minister Ahad Cheema.
According to the senior journalist, Kamran Khan, the Governor coerced the Principal for an extension in the leave and fee waiver for the son and daughter of Ahad Cheema.
In another unprecedented development, one of Pakistan’s most respected business leaders, Syed Babar Ali, also resigned as a senior member of the Board of Governors of the Aitchison College. In his resignation, Syed Babar Ali lauded Principal Thomson as the finest The Aitchison seen in its 90-year history.
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In his letter, he expressed his grief and disappointment over the continuous political pressure and bad governance that was hampering the decision-making of the institution.
“By now, you may have read and heard enough of what has been happening at the Board level to appreciate this letter. This is not how I planned to leave Aitchison, but I will share with you that a continuation of very poor governance has left me no other choice. Throughout my time as principal, I have done my very best to protect the school’s reputation while extending compassion to those in need.”
“However, there is a crucial difference between this pursuit and blatant policy manufacturing to accommodate certain individuals because such people simply insist on preferential treatment. Politics and nepotism have no place in schools,” read the letter.
https://x.com/AajKamranKhan/status/1772201280858976761?s=20
“Over the past year, other prejudiced actions by Governor House have contributed to a breakdown of governance and management, under which I had to finally draw a line. It seems incredulous to me, and quite possibly to most other people, that a school so successful can be subjected to such unwarranted interference and brazen directives.”
“A well-intentioned foreigner does not venture to another country with less than pure intent, and nor should that person act in any way to encourage or facilitate what he considers to be wrong. I leave on April 1 and will not play any role in the management of upcoming admissions.”
“Together, we have reshaped Aitchison. I remind you of your collective good and the immense impact you can continue to have on the next generation of emergent men. Let them not be idle, make them value integrity and the purpose of serving higher causes than simply oneself. In this way, the nation will prosper,” he said at the end of his explosive letter of resignation.
Social media is now brimming with condemnation and criticism of the provincial government which is directly under the rule of PMLN. Maryam Nawaz is the Chief Minister of the province.