Punjab’s 37 public university vice-chancellors (VCs) have opposed a proposal to appoint the Higher Education Minister as the chairman of all university syndicates, calling it a threat to university autonomy.
According to 24NewsHD, the proposal was introduced by Secretary of Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed during a Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) meeting.
However, the VCs rejected the idea, arguing it would increase political and bureaucratic control over universities.
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has also expressed concerns, warning of province-wide protests if the decision is implemented. The association emphasized the need to protect universities from political interference.
Additionally, faculty members and VCs have demanded the appointment of a regular chairperson for Punjab HEC and called for the removal of the secretary from the commission’s leadership.
The academic community has urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take notice of the issue and ensure that universities maintain their independence and academic freedom.
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