QUETTA: The names for the appointment of vice chancellors at five universities in Balochistan have been finalised, while a current-in-aid of Rs4 billion have been recommended for universities in the province.

Hafiz Abdul Majid, Balochistan’s higher education secretary, said the recommendations of the search committee, established for appointing new vice chancellors, had been approved by the provincial council.

He said the names of Dr Khalid Hafeez for the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS); Dr Shabir Ahmed Lehri for Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences; Dr Ehsan Kakar for University of Loralai; Dr Maqsood for Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar; and Qadir

Bakhsh Baloch for Mir Chakar Rind University had been approved for the positions of vice chancellors.

Mr Majid said that an increase in the grant for the province, from Rs2.5bn to Rs4bn, had been proposed for the next financial year.

However, the final decision on this matter would be made by the government, he added.

The higher education secretary agreed that many districts of Balochistan were suffering from a financial crisis.

He also pointed out that several universities in the province were facing irregularities, which, if not addressed, would perpetuate their financial crisis.

He said the summaries for the payment of teachers’ salaries had also been sent to the chief minister for approval.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2023