Professor Dr Hussain Mehdi, Vice Chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, has resigned amid an escalating dispute over university administration.
Dr Mehdi submitted his resignation to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah. However, he said he would continue performing his duties until the resignation is formally accepted.
The vice chancellor cited sustained pressure, protests and alleged interference in administrative matters, particularly decisions involving dismissed employees.
Hussain Mehdi Cites Political Pressure
According to Dr Mehdi, continued pressure has made it increasingly difficult for him to exercise his administrative authority effectively.
He said more than 15 employees had faced disciplinary action over various allegations. These included alleged drug use on university premises, absenteeism and claims involving ghost employees.
The vice chancellor maintained that university decisions should remain with legally authorised bodies. He warned that allowing employee pressure to influence administrative decisions could weaken the authority of statutory institutions.
Dr Mehdi also said the university had made significant progress during his 18-month tenure. He pointed to improvements in financial management, faculty development, academic activities, infrastructure and institutional development.
Dispute Emerges Over Dismissed Employees
The controversy reportedly intensified during a Syndicate meeting over the case of a dismissed employee.
According to university sources cited by The Express Tribune, a heated exchange took place between PPP leader and Sindh MPA Yousuf Baloch and Associate Professor Dr Ibrahim Noorani.
Noorani later alleged in a video statement that Baloch brought dismissed employee Tanveer Soomro to the Syndicate meeting. He further alleged that efforts were made to secure the reinstatement of employees removed over alleged misconduct and corruption.
These allegations have not been established independently, and Baloch’s position was not included in the available reporting. The university administration subsequently issued Noorani a show-cause notice over his video statement.
Employees Protest Against Registrar
Meanwhile, university employees have reportedly protested against the registrar for several days.
Some protesters have alleged that the registrar has political affiliations and demanded his removal. The dispute has added further pressure on the university administration.
Dr Mehdi said the continuing protests and demands had disrupted the institution’s functioning. He also expressed concern that administrative appointments could become subject to pressure from employees or outside interests.
VC Highlights University Reforms
Despite the ongoing dispute, Dr Mehdi pointed to several developments during his tenure.
Earlier in 2026, the university announced plans to introduce new MPhil and PhD programmes, along with nursing and Doctor of Physiotherapy programmes. The university had also been working to strengthen its academic and administrative structures.
The university also held its Senate meeting in February after a long gap, with discussions covering academic, administrative and financial matters.
Dr Mehdi has therefore linked his resignation to the growing administrative pressure rather than a lack of progress within the institution.
Resignation Awaits Formal Acceptance
For now, Dr Mehdi remains in office until the Sindh chief minister formally accepts his resignation.
His departure comes as the university faces disputes involving employees, protests and administrative authority.
The developments could now lead to further discussions about the university’s leadership and the handling of ongoing administrative matters.
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