The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has rejected an appeal by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University in Peshawar against lecturer Syeda Laila. The case concerned her extended leave and a dispute over her university appointment.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Rizvi disposed of the university’s plea on Monday. During the hearing, the judge questioned the administration’s handling of the lecturer’s leave and employment situation.
Justice Rizvi observed that Syeda Laila had worked at the university for three years after completing her PhD. He also remarked that the administration continued to harass her despite fulfilling the three-year service requirement.
University Cites 196 Days of Leave
During the proceedings, the university’s lawyer, Rehmanullah, argued that Syeda Laila was required to perform her duties for three years. However, he claimed she remained on leave for 196 days during that period.
Justice Rizvi questioned the university’s decision to challenge leave that its own administration had approved. He asked, “What action was taken against the officer who approved the leaves?”
The judge’s question focused attention on the university’s responsibility for authorising the leave. His remarks raised concerns about why the administration challenged the lecturer over absences it had previously approved.
Judge Questions Assistant Professor Appointment
Justice Rizvi also referred to the circumstances surrounding Syeda Laila’s departure and the appointment of another candidate. He remarked that the lecturer had left after the university appointed an outsider to an assistant professor position instead of selecting her.
“The teacher quit as you hired a person from outside on the seat of an assistant professor but did not select Syeda Laila,” Justice Rizvi remarked.
The judge further noted that the university had spent Rs5.6 million in public funds on the lecturer’s PhD at the Peshawar High Court (PHC), yet appointed an assistant professor from outside.
His remarks highlighted questions about the university’s recruitment decision and its investment in the lecturer’s doctoral education.
Court Disposes of the Case
The FCC disposed of the university’s appeal after hearing arguments from both sides. The proceedings centred on the lecturer’s leave record, the administration’s approval process and the appointment dispute.
The case has drawn attention to how universities handle staff leave and recruitment decisions, particularly when public funds support an employee’s higher education. The court’s remarks questioned the university’s actions, although the available details do not specify any further directions issued after the appeal was disposed of.
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