Varsity appointments on merit urged

The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), under the leadership of President Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, has raised serious concerns over the administrative, financial and academic crises plaguing more than 25 universities across Punjab.

"These institutions are currently operating without regular vice chancellors, leading to significant disruptions in their effective management and adversely impacting faculty, staff and students," Dr Magsi said. "The absence of stable leadership has particularly affected the ongoing admission processes, jeopardising the universities' ability to attract students and maintain academic standards. The situation at Punjab University, the oldest and largest university in the province, is especially dire."

The FAPUASA president said the institution has been without a regular vice chancellor for over two years, resulting in severe administrative and financial challenges, including a delay in the disbursement of August salaries to the teaching faculty.

FAPUASA welcomed the government's recent efforts to begin the appointment process for regular vice chancellors, noting the completion of the first phase of interviews as a positive step. However, the association stressed the urgency of finalising these appointments to restore effective governance and stability in the universities.