The Sindh government has approved four-year extensions for several vice chancellors at public universities across the province. The decision follows an earlier extension granted to Dr Nusrat Shah, daughter of former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah.
The extensions cover Liaquat Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr Ikramuddin, Aror University Vice Chancellor Dr Zahid Hussain Khand, and Shaheed Allah Bakhsh University Vice Chancellor Dr Arbela Bhutto.
Vice Chancellors Receive Four-Year Extensions
Dr Nusrat Shah, vice chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana, also received a four-year extension in August. The latest decisions have brought further attention to the government’s approach toward university leadership appointments.
According to reports, authorities approved Dr Zahid Khand’s extension following recommendations that were described as politically motivated. However, the reports did not provide an official explanation confirming the basis for the decision.
The extension for Dr Zahid Khand and Dr Arbela Bhutto was reportedly approved on the recommendation of Sindh Assembly Speaker Owais Qadir Shah. The decision concerns Aror University of Art, Architecture and Design and Heritage Sukkur and Shaheed Allah Bakhsh University.
Chief Secretary Previously Opposed Extension
Reports said the chief minister had to approve a rejected summary again following the speaker’s recommendation. The development came after Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah had opposed extending Professor Zahid Khand’s tenure.
The chief secretary had recommended appointing a new vice chancellor through an advertisement and selection board. He also suggested that Zahid Hussain Khand could be reappointed if the selection process failed to identify a suitable candidate.
The latest extensions will allow the vice chancellors to continue leading their respective institutions for another four years. The decisions have also highlighted differing recommendations within the provincial administration regarding university leadership.
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