Delay in PU VC selection raises eyebrows

It could either be political pressure or a lack of confidence in the Search Committee deputed to find a vice chancellor for Punjab University since despite the passing of two weeks, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is yet to send a summary to the Governor Secretariat for the appointment of a regular VC, a seat that was vacated on January 2.
According to educationalist, it could not be understood why the recommendations of the Search Committee had confused the Punjab government as it consisted of well reputed and neutral personalities including its head Syed Babir Ali renowned businessman and pro chancellor of LUMS, BNU VC Sertaz Aziz and UET Lahore VC Lt Gen (r) Muhammad Arshad and two members from the Punjab government. According to educationist, political influence or some hidden agendas could be the reasons for the delay in the announcement since there was no confusion in the report handed in by the committee.
However, according to sources at the CM Secretariat, CM Punjab was busy and was still to review the summary sent to him by the Higher Education Department (HED) regarding the appointment of a VC.
The education community, however, is concerned over the delay in the appointment of a regular VC and are demanding that merit be kept in mind and no political pressure be taken into account.
The HED had sent the names of three educationists including the PU IAS Former Head Professor Dr Zafer Iqbal Jadoon, Garrison University VC Professor Dr Jamil Anwer and Former PU VC Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran who is the acting VC while all three selected candidates are well reputed and have a good name in the field of research and management skills. Earlier the committee had interviewed various candidates including five VCs of various varsities. The summary was sent by the HED to the CM Secretariat on January 4, from where it is yet to be dispatched to the Governor Secretariat.
Two months ago, two members, Syed Babar Ali and Sertaz Aziz had resigned from the committee but had taken up the position at the government’s request and this time round, the delay from the CM is raising eyebrows.
With 73 departments and over 30,000 students, PU is one of the country’s oldest universities.
“The tussle between the CM and the governor over the appointment of a VC in six different universities of the province last year caused problems for the teachers and the students, nobody else. There is no reason for the CM to delay the appointment now since the Supreme Court has declared that he is the sole authority,” said a GCU professor.
Last week, over 300 professors of PU launched a merit walk to show their support for a VC who is appointed on merit, no matter which group he belonged to.
CM Secretariat officials have, however, said there was no pressure and the CM was well aware of the problems of the varsity and would select a suitable candidate soon.