The process of appointing vice chancellors in universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has begun, following the constitution of a committee tasked with overseeing the appointments, it emerged on Tuesday.

According to a notification from the KP government’s Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department on Monday, the committee was formed under the powers conferred by Part (D)(5d) of Schedule II of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2012 (amended 2024). A copy of the notification is available with Dawn.

The special secretary for higher education was appointed as the convenor of the seven-member committee, which will scrutinise the appointment of vice chancellors in seven universities of the province.

The notification stated that the applications and credentials of those applying for the position would be scrutinised in light of the criteria laid down in the same Act.

“The committee shall convey the grounds of ineligibility in writing to the applicant if any,” it added, noting further that no member of the committee would be a candidate for the position of vice chancellor during his membership.

The committee will determine the appointment of vice chancellors at three universities in Peshawar, namely the University of Agriculture, Khyber Medical University and Benazir Bhutto Women’s University.

The committee will also make appointments at the University of Haripur, the University of Malakand, the University of Swat, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal, Upper Dir.

The process of scrutinising 285 people in the race for the post of vice-chancellors of seven universities is underway.