Public universities’ dilemma deepens amidst delay in appointing VCs

ISLAMABAD: Public sector universities nationwide are grappling with a mounting crisis as the majority of them continue to operate without permanent vice chancellors, posing significant administrative challenges and jeopardizing academic activities.

The Hum Investigation Team (HIT) has uncovered alarming details surrounding the prolonged absence of appointments to these crucial positions, highlighting alleged interference by provincial governors in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Sources revealed that political instability and undue influence from governors have led to delays in appointing permanent vice chancellors, severely disrupting the administrative affairs of public sector universities.

In the midst of this turmoil, the All Public Universities BPS Teachers’ Association (APUBTA) has petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene.

According to the petition, the failure to appoint permanent vice chancellors has resulted in the inability to convene essential university meetings, such as syndicates, senates, boards of governors, and academic councils.

This leadership vacuum, according to the petition, has left universities in disarray, with most deans and directors serving as acting appointees (vice-chancellors), causing significant administrative hurdles.

The petition argues that the absence of permanent vice chancellors is not only undermining internal democracy within universities but also fostering an environment conducive to illegal activities among officials, posing a direct threat to the academic freedom enshrined in the Constitution.

The appointment of acting vice chancellors, the petition contends, violates fundamental constitutional articles, including Articles 4, 9, and 19.

Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the process of appointing permanent vice chancellors, particularly regarding the uncertainty of tenure and postings.

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This uncertainty, according to the petition, undermines academic freedom and the ability of teachers to educate students without fear of coercion or pressure.

The situation is dire, with data indicating that a significant number of universities across provinces, including 24 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 32 in Punjab, six in Sindh, and two in Balochistan, are operating without legally appointed vice chancellors.

Meanwhile, the Higher Education Commission and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training have largely delegated the responsibility for these appointments to provincial authorities following the 18th Amendment.

According to sources, at least 51 out of 154 public sector universities across the country are operating without regular vice-chancellors.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said that the appointment of vice-chancellors, whose charters were approved by provinces, fell under provincial jurisdiction. He stated that discussions had been initiated with provinces, with “progress being made” towards appointing university heads.

He said that the appointment process for vice-chancellors in several universities is at an advanced stage.

Dr Ahmed noted that the HEC would engage with these new provincial governments on this crucial matter.