The issue began after Ahad Cheema’s sons moved with the family from Lahore to Islamabad in June 2022 prompting the family to ask Aitchison to waive their fees.

Thomas was reportedly under intense pressure from Cheema’s wife, Saima. However, the principal refused to budge.

As the children remained away, the college started marking their absences.

At this point, Saima Cheema approached the governor house for the fee waiver. She told the governor that Thomas was refusing to accept the request and had stopped answering calls and emails.

Governor Baligh-ur-Rehmana meeting of the Board of Governors, which he is president of, to address the issue.

However, Thomas refused to attend the meeting and other members also put their weight behind him. The board also decided to expel both students.

In reply, Rehman stopped the Board from taking action and instead issued the fee waiver without the board’s approval.

This ultimately led to Thomas’ resignation from his post. Reports suggest that this is not the first time a principal has resigned over such matters.