ISLAMABAD: Appointment of heads of the capital’s three public-sector universities seems to have become an ‘impossible’ task for the government, which has been constantly delaying the process.

The posts of two vice chancellors and a rector had fallen vacant in October and November last year and after considerable delay, earlier, this month, three names against each post were sent to the government for appointment.

However, sources said the summary was returned by the Prime Minister (PM) Office with directions that instead of one, three separate summaries should be sent.

The education ministry then sent two separate summaries – one related to Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and one regarding Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).

PM Office seeks separate summaries with names of shortlisted candidates for each university

The summary of International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) is yet to be submitted by the ministry.

A source told Dawn that there were some issues in the summary and the ministry might go for re-advertisement.

He said it was confirmed that the summary was halted, adding that it was yet to be decided whether the same summary should be resubmitted or we go for new advertisement.

“We have no idea why this process has been facing inordinate delay,” said a faculty member of the QAU.

Earlier, this month, the education ministry on the recommendation of a search committee had sent three names against each post.

For the post of QAU vice chancellor, Dr Niaz was on top followed by Dr Raheel Qamar and Dr Fazal Khaliq. For AIOU, former vice chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum, Dr Nasir Mehmood (current acting VC) and Dr Mudassar were picked for the panel. Similarly, for the post of rector IIUI, Dr Ilyas, Dr Tahir Khalil and Dr Amina were selected.

Sources said the government was also getting credentials and past conduct of all the nine shortlisted candidates checked from agencies as well, and one of the candidates had not been recommended for the position of vice chancellor.

Earlier, in order to find suitable candidates, a search committee headed by Education Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain completed interviews during the last week of December. The committee interviewed about 108 candidates from a list of over 500. Three top names against each post were sent to the PM Office.

Meanwhile, in the absence of regular heads, the three universities are being run by additional charge holders.

The QAU is being run by HEC Executive Director Dr Shaista Sohail on look after basis while the AIOU is being run by Prof Dr Nasir Mehmood. No one has been given additional charge of IIUI rector since the varsity has a president.

A few days ago, the education ministry had extended temporary tenure of Dr Mehmood as acting head of AIOU.

According to sources, if the issue is not resolved, the ministry will extend the temporary tenure of Dr Sohail as well.

IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai had completed his tenure in September last year followed by QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Mohammad Ali and AIOU Vice Chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum, who completed their tenures in November.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2023