Due to ‘preferential treatment’ for Ahad Cheema’s boys, the principal of Aitchison College steps down

Michael A. Thompson, the principal of Aitchison College, tendered his resignation on Monday, citing ‘unwarranted intervention and arrogant directions’ from the Punjab government about the remission of fees for the sons of Ahad Cheema.

After it was purportedly ordered by Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman to waive the fees of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema’s sons, Esa and Mustafa Ahad Cheema, the resignation occurred.

Following an eight-year stint, the esteemed institution’s eighteenth principal wrote an emotional departure letter to his workers.

The departing principal stated that he worked to uphold the school’s standing while demonstrating compassion. But he also noted that he had to make accommodations for “some people” who were using the school administration system to engage in “blatant policy manufacturing.”

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

“Over the past year, other prejudiced actions by Governor House have contributed to a breakdown of governance and management,” the principal said, highlighting recent steps taken by Governor House.

Thompson remarked, “A well-intentioned foreigner does not venture to another country with less than pure intent,” before wishing Pakistan and its people well as she completed her resignation.

“The topic of fee waiver is being “presented in a new light,” according to the federal minister.

Cheema asked for the cost to be excused on the grounds that his family—which includes his wife and two children—is moving to Islamabad. According to Cheema, his boys were still given fee challans.

According to the minister, no one should be required to pay tuition after graduating from school.

He said that Principal Thompson was only supposed to hold office until August 2024 and that he had already tendered his resignation.

Cheema mentioned that a committee has already been established to select a new principle.

In response to a plea by Ahad Cheema’s wife, Saima Ahad Cheema, the Governor’s Secretariat Punjab issued an order directing a “review” of the decision on the seat reservation and leave of absence given to her boys.

Saima Cheema begged that because she was a member of the “salaried” class and a civil worker, she was unable to pay the fees for both Aitchison College and the new school the kids would be attending after moving to Islamabad.

Aitchison is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most esteemed educational institutions, having been established in 1886. As President of the Board of Governors, the current governor of Punjab has a voice in the college’s operations.