Corruption Allegations
LAHORE: Punjab Governor Saleem Haider has stated that he rejected Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s summary for the appointment of vice-chancellors at state universities due to concerns regarding corruption allegations against some of the nominees.
During a media briefing, the governor emphasized that his decision was driven by the need for integrity in the appointment process.
“I rejected the summary for the appointment of vice-chancellors because a few of those nominated for the offices have corruption charges against them,” Governor Haider explained.
He expressed that the decision was made in light of concerns raised about the appointment process itself, indicating that scrutiny was necessary to maintain the credibility of such significant positions.
As the chancellor of the universities, he takes the responsibility of ensuring that the appointments reflect merit and integrity.
The governor further denied claims made by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, asserting that he did not have any personal agenda regarding the vice-chancellors’ appointments. “I never talked to the chief minister about the posting of any VC and only wish that the appointments should be made on merit,” he stated emphatically.
His focus, he noted, is on selecting individuals who can contribute positively to the development of the youth, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Addressing the political landscape, Governor Haider acknowledged the current coalition government and affirmed the need for its continuity in the interest of national stability.
He mentioned, “Whether this government survives or not, we are part of the ruling coalition,” underscoring the importance of collaboration among political entities during challenging times.
In the wake of these developments, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari defended the Chief Minister’s approach, asserting that this marks the first time a transparent process has been followed in appointing vice-chancellors.
She criticized any attempts to politicize these appointments, stressing the importance of prioritizing the future of students over political considerations.
Bokhari refuted the claims attributed to the Chief Minister regarding the governor’s motives and reiterated the commitment to ensuring that the appointments are made with the best interests of students in mind.
The ongoing dialogue highlights the complex interplay between governance, accountability, and educational leadership in Punjab.
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