The Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Administration has given the green light for a thorough audit of the former QAU Alumni Association, covering the financial and operational dealings from 2012 to 2023. This comprehensive audit will be conducted by a certified third-party audit firm, a decision made with unanimous support from the university’s administration and the four major panels participating in the 2024 alumni elections: the Founder Group, United Panel, QAU Forever Panel, and QAU Stars Panel. The approval for the audit came during a meeting chaired by Dr. Muhammad Idrees, Chairman of the QAU Election Steering Committee. The audit is seen as a necessary step before proceeding with the QAU Alumni Association’s elections for 2024, ensuring transparency and accountability in the association's financial affairs over the past 12 years. In addition to the audit, two other significant issues were discussed: the digitalization of alumni records dating back to 1970, and plans to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of the upcoming elections. Dr. Idrees highlighted the critical need for support and funding for the digitalization project, emphasizing that out of thousands of alumni, only around 8,000 have registered as voters so far.

Another key decision made during the meeting was the relaxation of the 15% voter registration requirement for the upcoming elections. This change will allow approximately 700 new voters to participate, adding to the growing list of registered alumni. Furthermore, new nomination papers will be issued to reflect these additions. Dr. Idrees also shared that a new interim constitution for the Alumni Association has been drafted and will be shared with all contesting panels within a few days. Additionally, it was firmly agreed that the outgoing QAU Alumni Association would not be permitted to conduct any activities or fundraising campaigns under its name, and no group would be allowed to use the official QAU logo for any purposes during this transition period. The meeting was attended by key representatives from all major panels: Rehan Saeed, Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Azam Habib, and Shahid Minhas from the QAU Forever Panel; Aziz Nishtar, Muhammad Farooq, and Taiba Batool from the United Panel; Wajahat Latif and Ch Zulfiqar from the Founder Group; and Saeed Ch from the QAU Stars Panel. The next meeting to review progress and further steps is scheduled to take place before September 20.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan