HED, PHEC make progress in appointing VCs

PHEC has started scrutinising applicants for PU and University of Home Economics

LAHORE: Some progress has been made for the appointment of permanent vice chancellors at several of the public sector universities of Punjab. The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has started scrutinising applicants for Punjab University and the University of Home Economics, and applications have been sought for hiring a vice chancellor at another varsity.

Many notable academics have applied for the position of permanent vice chancellor at the Punjab University, including incumbent Vice Chancellor Dr Nasira Jabeen as well as former vice chancellor Dr Zakria Zakar. A total of 102 applications are under scrutiny at the PHEC, whereas a total of 26 candidates are being checked by the commission for the University of Home Economics, Lahore. The PHEC began the shortlisting process on Monday.



The PHEC has also made a change to the composition of the search committee for the University of Home Economics, Lahore, where former Kinnaird College Principal Mira Phailbus would be replaced. The PHEC has proposed three names, which include Dr Najma Najam, Dr Shahida Hasnain and Dr Munawar S Mirza. PHEC has sent a letter to the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) Secretary in this regard. The letter said: “The aforementioned panel is furnished, after seeking their consent, for submission of the case before the competent authority for nomination of one of them as member of the above-mentioned committee.”

When contacted, a senior official said that the change was because Mira Phailbus, the convener for the search committee for the University of Home Economics, would be out of the country and would not be able to perform the duties.

The HED has also advertised the post of the vice chancellor for the Information Technology University (ITU). The advertisement was put out on Saturday, unlike the norm, as the department is in a hurry to complete appointments. A letter to publish the advertisement clarified that the ban imposed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was not applicable in this case because of the instructions issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan for the same.

The HED had earlier notified the search committee for ITU, consisting of Dr Amjad Saqib as the convener of the Search Committee, while Prof Dr Amjad Hussain, Dr Javed Ghani, Dr Zafar Iqbal Qureshi as members and the HED secretary as the Secretary of the committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2018.