Move FM Australian News

LAHORE, Pakistan – Aitchison College Principal, Australian Michael A Thompson resigned Monday, citing the Punjab government’s ‘unwarranted intervention and arrogant directions’ regarding fee waivers for federal minister Ahad Cheema’s sons.

The Australian educationist presented his resignation after Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman allegedly directed the principal to waive the fees of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema’s sons, Esa and Mustafa.

After an eight-year career, the 18th principal of the esteemed educational institution wrote an emotional resignation letter to his staff.

The outgoing principal said he worked hard to maintain the school’s image while showing compassion. However, he said he was required to accommodate “certain individuals” who engaged in “blatant policy manufacturing” within the school administration structure.

“Politics and nepotism have no place in schools,” the letter stated.

The principal highlighted recent activities by the Governor House, noting, “Over the past year, other prejudiced actions by Governor House have contributed to a breakdown of governance and management.

“A well-intentioned foreigner does not venture to another country with anything less than pure intent,” Thompson stated, concluding his resignation with a blessing for Pakistan and its people.

The federal minister, Ahad Cheema, remarked, “the issue of fee waiver is being presented in a different light.”

Cheema said his family, including his wife and two children, is moving to Islamabad and, hence, requested that the fee be waived.

The minister insisted that no one should pay fees after leaving school.

He further claimed Principal Thompson had already tendered his resignation and was only scheduled to remain until August 2024.

Cheema stated that a committee to hire a new principal has already been constituted.

The Governor’s Secretariat Punjab issued an order in response to a plea submitted by Ahad Cheema’s wife, Saima Ahad Cheema, to review the decision on seat reservation and leave of absence granted to her sons.

Saima Cheema contended that as a civil servant and member of the ‘salaried’ class, she could not afford the fees for Aitchison College and the prospective school to which the children would be admitted after the family relocated to Islamabad.

Aitchison, founded in 1886, is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most famous educational institutions. As head of the board of governors, the current governor of Punjab has a say in the college’s operations.