When enquired, as to why the major public sector universities in Punjab are functioning without vice chancellors (VCs), mum’s the word by officials of education sector making the whole appointment process doubtful.
As per details, the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) published an advertisement in leading newspapers seeking applications from interested candidates by April 28, 2015, for ten public sector universities of the province but not a single appointment has been made yet.
Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) VC Dr Sabeeha Mansoor and Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU) VC Dr Samina Amin Qadir retired on July 13 and there is no acting or permanent VC in both of these universities, Pakistan Today has learnt.
It is pertinent to mention here that these two ladies are still VCs of their institutions according to the official websites of their universities. It is interesting to note that the LCWU issued a press release on July 10, describing Dr Sabeeha’s last activities as VC.
A senior member of administration from the LCWU told Pakistan Today on the condition of anonymity that serious financial and administrative issues have been put on the back-burner due to delay in VC’s appointment. He confirmed that there is no acting VC of the varsity and it is like ‘flying a plane without its pilot’.
The tenure of incumbent VCs of Government College University (GCU) Lahore and University of Education Lahore will expire today (July 24) and these universities will be in a list of universities without its leaders. GCU Lahore VC Dr Khalequr Rehman, who has also applied for another tenure, told Pakistan Today that he has not received any order from any authority yet. He further added that it is his last day in office on Friday (Today) and is waiting for further instructions from higher authorities.
A senior official of administration from GCU Lahore on condition of anonymity told Pakistan Today that the Punjab government is trying to make the issue mysterious by not naming anyone to fill the vacant positions.
He was of the view that a case under section 420 can be registered against a person who dare to sign any financial document in the capacity of VC prior to permanent appointment against the post.
It will be last day for Dr Faizul Hassan as VC of University of Education today (Friday) but no notification to replace him has made issued yet. A well-informed source told Pakistan Today that as the season of new admissions in universities is inching closer, the government deliberately is using delaying tactics in order to patronise illegal admissions.
Syed Babar Ali was the convener of committee constituted to interview the candidates while other members include, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Punjab Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Nizamuddin and HED Secretary Irum Bukhari. Dr Pasha, now a Punjab finance minister was provincial assembly member (MPA) when the committee was formed.
There were reports that the Punjab government is thinking to abolish the existing search committee and will call the fresh applications again but Punjab HEC Chairman Dr Nizaamuddin refuted all such reports claiming that an announcement will be made in coming days.
Dr Nizaam told Pakistan Today that committee has forwarded a list of potential candidates to the chief minister’s secretariat and soon the posts will be filled after consultation with the chancellor.
Dr Nizaam thinks that the process was delayed due to Eid holidays and the final appointing authority is chancellor.
Repeated attempts were made to contact HED Secretary Irum Bukhari but she did not respond.