Michael A Thomson, the Principal of Aitchison College in Lahore, has submitted his resignation in protest against the alleged preferential treatment given to the sons of a federal minister, as reported by Geo News.
Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman is said to have directed Aitchison College to exempt the school fees for the sons of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Establishment, Ahad Cheema.
This decision led Thomson to resign from his position as the principal. It was reported that the federal minister’s wife approached the Punjab governor with a request to waive the school fees for her sons. In response to this request, the governor instructed the college to waive the fees for a period of three years.
In a letter addressed to the college staff, Thomson announced his resignation from the principal’s post, effective from April 1. He also mentioned that he would not be involved in any future management and admissions processes of the college.
Thomson expressed his disappointment in the letter, stating, “While I did not intend to leave Aitchison College, I feel I have no other choice.
Throughout my tenure as principal, I have always strived to uphold the school’s reputation and extend compassion to those in need.” He further added, “However, there is a significant difference between extending help to those in need and manipulating policies to accommodate certain individuals due to their demand for preferential treatment.”
Thomson highlighted that the alteration of the college’s policy to favor certain individuals undermines the institution’s integrity.
He emphasized that there should be no room for politics and nepotism in an educational institution like Aitchison College. Moreover, Thomson criticized the Governor House for interfering with the college’s governance and management, leading to a breakdown in the established procedures and policies.
In response to Thomson’s claims, Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman clarified that Ahad Cheema had been transferred to Islamabad for a year due to his posting. As a result, his children were unable to attend Aitchison College.
The governor also revealed that a request was made to waive the fees for the classes the minister’s sons did not attend. He further commented on Thomson’s salary, stating that the principal was earning 4 million rupees and an audit of his salary has been initiated.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar weighed in on the issue, refuting the claims made against Cheema. Tarar mentioned that Cheema’s sons had not been studying at Aitchison College for the past three years.
Tarar explained, “If the kids are not attending the college, then the family is not obligated to pay the fees.” He added that the Cheema family had followed the correct procedures as per the rules and regulations when they submitted their application, given that their children were not enrolled at the college.
Tarar concluded by stating that Cheema’s children had relocated to Islamabad and were pursuing their studies there. He assured that the decision made by the governor was in accordance with the law and dismissed the claims of any misrepresentation of the situation.
The issue has sparked a controversy involving allegations of favoritism, interference in college policies, and questions about the school’s governance and management.
