LAHORE: Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat has allegedly used his office to help a former superintendent of a Punjab University girls’ hostel retain official accommodation despite the university’s rules and the withdrawal of judicial relief in the matter.

The university had removed Dr Maliha Uroos from the additional charge of superintendent of Girls Hostel No. 2 after she joined the Punjab Education Curriculum Training and Assessment Authority (Pectaa) as managing director (operations).

Following her transfer, the university directed Dr Uroos to vacate the official residence allotted to her in connection with the superintendent’s post. The university administration had appointed Ms Farzeen Akram as superintendent of the hostel on Dec 17, 2025.

However, Dr Uroos initially obtained a stay order against her eviction from a court, but the relief was later withdrawn after the court recalled its order.

Move is considered to be against rules and court relief already withdrawn

Subsequently, on April 27, the education minister wrote to the PU vice chancellor, (a copy of the letter is available with Dawn) asking the university to let Dr Uroos continue residing in the accommodation.

In support of her case, the minister cited the Punjab government’s deputation and housing framework, under which a government servant on deputation may retain official accommodation of the parent department.

However, a PU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the minister’s intervention was contrary to the university’s regulations governing official residences attached to administrative assignments such as hostel superintendents.

The official said the PU had not so far responded to the minister’s letter, however, the accommodation is still in the possession of Dr Uroos.

Earlier, PU Hall Council secretary Asma Khan also had written an eviction letter to the Pectaa MD stating that on the direction of the court, the house of superintendent of girl’s hostel-2 should be vacated after the appointment of the new superintendent on Dec 17, 2025.

“You (Dr Uroos) are illegally residing in the house for the last five months and directed to vacate the house till May 4,” the letter states.

It also stated that a legal action would be initiated for not vacating the house.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026