Decision issued before Dr Nighat Shah’s retirement raises questions over seniority and interpretation of PM&DC contractual faculty rules

KARACHI: The Sindh government has directed Jinnah Sindh Medical University to appoint Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, as a professor for three years following a provincial cabinet decision taken shortly before her retirement.

Sindh Universities and Boards Department Secretary Abbas Baloch issued a formal notification implementing the cabinet decision.

However, the appointment could affect the seniority of several associate professors, including Dr Shazia Naseeb, Dr Nasreen Fatima, Dr Saba Khan, Dr Iram Majid and Dr Maimoona Rehman.

Cabinet Cites Continuity of Medical Services

The notification refers to agenda item No. 16 from the August 5 cabinet meeting. It cites larger public interest and continuity of specialised medical services, academic leadership, postgraduate education, research and institutional standards as grounds for the decision.

Initially, the document directs JSMU’s vice chancellor to “consider” appointing Dr Shah. However, subsequent language instructs the university to take immediate action and implement the cabinet decision without delay.

Furthermore, officials requested a priority compliance report from the university.

PM&DC Rules Raise Questions Over Directive

The government cited a May 19 Pakistan Medical and Dental Council notification allowing public medical and dental institutions to hire retired faculty members contractually until age 65.

However, PM&DC described the provision as enabling rather than mandatory, leaving individual institutions free to decide according to their requirements, regulations and available resources.

Consequently, the directive has raised questions about why the provincial cabinet considered the appointment of one specific retiring faculty member when universities already possessed discretion under PM&DC rules.

The decision has also prompted scrutiny over the cabinet’s demand for immediate implementation and a compliance report.

Authorities have not indicated whether JSMU independently assessed its staffing requirements or how the appointment could affect existing faculty seniority.