ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Education has expedited the process of appointing heads of three public sector universities of Islamabad.

A ministry official told Dawn that over 400 applications were received against the said three posts, which are being scrutinised.

Meanwhile, the official said that a search committee after short listing potential candidates will also get input from experts regarding this. He said all candidates have been asked to submit a proposal plan about how they will bring about positive changes in their universities.

“The search committee has decided to get the input of independent experts on the proposal plan submitted by candidates,” the official said.

It is relevant to note here that the rector of International Islamic University Islamabad Dr Masoom Yasinzai is going to retire later this month after completing his four year term.

Similarly, the vice chancellor (VC) of Quaid-i-Azam University Dr Mohammad Ali and VC of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Dr Zia-ul-Qayyum will also retire next month upon completion of their tenures.

The search committee will fill these posts after conducting interviews of candidates and then three names against each post would be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office for final approval.

Sources said it seems that the process of appointment of heads of the said universities will be completed anytime in the next month while rector of IIUI will retire during the process.

“The rector of IIUI is going to retire during the last week of this month so I do not think his replacement will be made immediately, hopefully, all three heads will be appointed together next month,” said an official of the ministry.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2022