LAHORE: After the intervention of a senior PPP leader, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan is reportedly set to issue notifications for appointment of vice chancellors (VCs) in public universities, a source told Dawn on Friday.

The governor the other day raised concerns over corruption allegations involving top candidates for the VC positions and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari had to remind him of his ‘limited role’ in the selection process. For the past two-and-a-half years, 25 public universities have been operating without regular VCs.

A senior PPP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Dawn that they had approached the governor and asked him to issue the notifications for the appointment of VCs. The governor is expected to do the needful within a couple of days.

Meanwhile, the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) on Friday called for immediate merit-based appointments of VCs to address the crisis in public universities. It released a statement highlighting the severe crisis caused by more than two years of administrative instability and ad-hoc leadership.

FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Khan Magsi said the ongoing situation had inflicted substantial damage on the academic environment and reduced educational opportunities for the public. He said they had consistently advocated for the VC appointments on merit.

Dr Magsi said the government had initiated the process of appointing VCs and there was widespread anticipation that this procedure would be completed without unnecessary delays.

The FAPUASA leadership stressed that these appointments must prioritise merit, ensuring the selection of only the individuals with a proven track record of leadership, integrity and performance. It called upon the chancellor/governor to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, saying that the Constitution of Pakistan and the relevant University Acts clearly outlined the roles of the chief minister and the governor in these appointments. It termed it crucial that the selection of VCs was not hampered by political disagreements.

The association said the VC search committee had already finalised its recommendations and further delays would only contribute to confusion and worsening of the state of universities. On Aug 31, 2024, the Supreme Court had issued a directive for the appointment of VCs.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2024