The Punjab University's Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) director has reacted over a news item "Institute of Communication Studies-Probe into tampering with results" published on November 4.

Alleging, "It is a totally fabricated story prepared by the reporter", ICS director Prof Dr Mughees Uddin Sheikh, in a letter addressed to the PU vice chancellor stated, "This news item seems to be a deliberate attempt to damage the image of ICS.

The ICS director has also said, "We want to inform you that the reporter published a story regarding one-year old result seemingly with malafide intentions."

The letter further stated, "Dr Ahsan Akhtar Naz was wrongly reported as internal examiner for the viva voce exam. It should be noted that Mr Ahmer Sohail Basra (radio producer) was the internal examiner whereas Dr Ahsan was on ex-Pakistan leave during that semester". The ICS director has also sent a copy of "original" result duly singed by external examiner Dr Shaista Nuzhat, internal examiner Mr Ahmer Sohail Basra and Director ICS.

The letter concluded with a statement, "This seems to be a planned and targeted campaign against the institution like the Punjab University".

A number of things need to be clarified by The News in connection with the ICS director's reaction to the said story.

First of all, the said news item is in no way "a totally fabricated story prepared by the reporter." The story is about initiation of an inquiry by the PU authorities against the alleged tampering with results. This correspondent has not alleged the results were tampered rather informed readers that "The Punjab University (PU) administration has initiated an inquiry into alleged tampering with results at the varsity's Institute of Communication Studies."

Secondly the said news item is not "a deliberate attempt to damage the image of ICS." The reporter has simply reported developments took place in connection with alleged............. www.studenthelponline.com