LAHORE: Women University Multan Vice Chancellor Dr Farkhanda Mansoor has resigned from her post, citing persistent pressure and “undue interference” from external authorities as the primary reason for her decision to quit.

In her resignation letter available with Dawn, addressing the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED), Dr Farkhanda stated that such interventions compromised the autonomy of her office and hindered her ability to lead effectively.

She was appointed as VC on Feb 14, 2025.

She highlighted her commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity during her brief tenure. However, she lamented that despite her efforts, external pressures had created an environment where independent decision-making became impossible.

“The space for a meaningful leadership has been significantly constrained,” she wrote, underscoring her “principled stance” against, what she called, attempts to compromise the university’s long-term vision.

The resignation sparked concerns about governance and undue political interference in Punjab’s higher education institutions.

Academic circles raised questions whether bureaucratic or political influences undermined the VC’s authority, a recurring issue in the public universities.

Sources said that disagreements over the varsity’s administrative and policy matters had escalated, leading to the VC’s decision to quit.

Dr Farkhanda expressed gratitude to the Punjab government and university stakeholders, urging continuity in the institution’s growth. She offered assistance during the transition, but her abrupt exit leaves a leadership vacuum at a critical time.

The HED has yet to comment on the resignation and announce an interim replacement.

The academics warned that the incident could deter qualified academics from taking leadership roles if the systemic issues remained unaddressed.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2025