Universities will be purged of political elements: Sarwar

Governor says all efforts will be made to enhance education standard at varsities

LAHORE: Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar has said that it was necessary to amend the rules of business of the universities in order to make charters of old and new universities compatible.

He was addressing vice chancellors of provincial universities during a conference at the Governor’s House on Tuesday.

He hinted at introduction of online File Tracking System for better functioning of universities in the province.

Provincial Minister for Higher Education Yasir Hamyun, besides Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, University of Agriculture Faisalabad VC Dr Muhammad Arshad, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore VC Dr Ayaz Akbar, University of Education VC Dr Rauf Azeem, Women University of Multan VC Dr Asmat Naz and others attended the VCs conference. Governor Punjab said the universities should pay special attention to prevent environmental pollution and on research.



They added that a special attention should be paid on research and the government will fully assist and support the universities in this matter. “No political interference in the matters of the universities will be tolerated while universities will be purged of political elements,” governor told the vice-chancellors.

He added that Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted to end all kinds of political interference in universities. Sarwar said that all efforts would be made to enhance education standard at universities and bring them at par with foreign universities. He stressed close liaison between the government and the university administration for raising academic standards.

Sarwar stressed the need for shifting energy dependence to solar energy at university campuses at the earliest. A committee of the vice chancellors was constituted by Minister Higher Education Yasir Humayun, which was tasked to present recommendations regarding issues faced by the universities.

The vice chancellors briefed the Punjab governor on different issues being faced by the universities relating to appointments and transfers. Sarwar said that he would apprise Prime Minister Imran Khan of the challenges being faced by the universities in Punjab.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2019.