Appointing VC with administrative experience to enhance management of universities: Murad Shah
Adnan Athar
• VCs accused of sexual harassment remained in positions due to court orders.
• A VC engaged in the illegal withdrawal of funds continues to hold position
KARACHI (Jan 23): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed his disappointment over his inability to remove vice chancellors accused of sexual harassment despite extensive efforts and highlighted another case involving a vice chancellor who withdrew funds from the university’s account for travel expenses of a visiting French team, even though the team had independently covered their expenses.
He warned the vice-chancellors at universities experiencing protests to stop them, or he would hold them accountable.
Mr Shah made these remarks while speaking at the 4th Research & Technology Showcase 2025, organized by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) at Expo on Wednesday. The event featured 41 universities from across Sindh, presenting 417 groundbreaking research projects and innovations, underscoring the province’s creative potential in technology and research. Among those who spoke at the event were Chairman HEC Prof. Tariq Rafi and VC NED Prof Sarosh Lodhi.
He explained that vice chancellors are appointed through a Search Committee and noted that a PhD is a minimum qualification required for the position. He added, "Given the dire administrative conditions in public sector universities, which are on the verge of collapse, the cabinet decided to amend the law to include a requirement for administrative experience, and this bill has been referred to the assembly."
"Some vice chancellors and vested interests have instigated protests in response to this amendment, but we know how the law is applied. I am warning the concerned vice chancellors to stop the protests in their universities; otherwise, I will hold you accountable."
He stated that three vice chancellors, all holding PhD. degrees and having the required published research papers, were appointed through the Search Committee but were found involved in sexual harassment cases. "I attempted to remove them, but they obtained stay orders from the court, allowing them to remain in their positions until the completion of their tenure," he lamented.
Mr Shah also pointed out the case of a vice chancellor who withdrew funds from the university's account for the travel expenses of the visiting French team despite the team having already covered their costs independently. Despite these controversies, the vice chancellor remains in office, and Mr Shah has been unable to remove him.
"These are the main reasons we are amending the law - to establish safeguards because our children deserve the best vice chancellors who know how to effectively run universities and secure the nation's future," he said.He stated that the law does not prevent PhDs and professors from being appointed as vice chancellors; however, it requires them to compete with other candidates.
Additionally, he expressed displeasure regarding a letter he received from the federal HEC, stating that they instigated protests by releasing the letter to the media before officially dispatching it.
Talking about the conference, the CM stressed the urgent need to reduce Pakistan’s dependency on foreign products by fostering homegrown solutions. “A country achieves prosperity by transforming ideas into practical achievements,” he stated. He highlighted the economic impact of excessive imports and called for immediate investment in local innovations that address societal challenges and reduce reliance on foreign goods.
Acknowledging Sindh HEC’s contributions, Murad Shah praised its initiatives, including research funding, postdoctoral awards, and faculty development programs. He urged universities to strengthen their academia-industry partnerships, drawing examples from global success stories. “Our universities must support students and researchers in developing practical solutions to immediate local issues. This is the mindset we need to cultivate,” he remarked.
Mr Shah also commended the partnership between Sindh HEC and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), facilitated by FPCCI Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon. The collaboration will showcase innovative projects to the industry for commercialisation opportunities.
Addressing young researchers and innovators present at the event, the CM emphasised their pivotal role in shaping Sindh and Pakistan’s future. “You have the power to transform lives and strengthen our nation with each innovation,” he said while encouraging them to take pride in their contributions to society.
The chief minister reiterated the Sindh government’s unwavering commitment to higher education and community development through the practical application of knowledge. He concluded with an inspiring message: “May today’s showcase inspire us all to aim higher and achieve greater milestones.”
The event was attended by diplomats, vice-chancellors, researchers, and industry leaders, all united by a vision to bridge academia and industry, paving the way for economic growth and technological advancement in Sindh.
