The erosion of university autonomy

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The governance of higher education in Pakistan is at a crossroads, with disturbing trends across provinces that threaten the autonomy, academic integrity and future of public universities. Amidst deepening financial crises that have left many institutions struggling to survive, provincial governments are introducing legislative changes aimed at consolidating political control over universities rather than addressing their systemic challenges.

Sindh provides a stark example of this trend. A proposed amendment to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act 2018 aims to lower the eligibility criteria for Vice Chancellors and Rectors, allowing non-academics to assume leadership positions. This shift risks undermining the academic foundations of these institutions, reducing them to administrative outposts rather than centers of intellectual and scholarly excellence. The HEC has expressed concern over these changes, emphasising that they could have far-reaching consequences for academic standards and institutional credibility. The proposed law, if passed, will weaken not only the autonomy of universities in Sindh but also their capacity to compete in a knowledge-driven global environment.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is already witnessing the ramifications of such centralisation. Recent amendments to the KP Universities Act have vested significant authority in the Chief Minister, who now serves as the Chancellor of public universities. This shift, coupled with the enhanced role of government-appointed Registrars, has reduced the decision-making independence of universities. Additionally, VCs - though appointed for four years - are subject to mid-term performance reviews, with the looming possibility of removal. While accountability is essential, this mechanism introduces an element of political interference that stifles long-term planning and academic independence.

The situation in Punjab offers yet another layer of complexity. The strained relationship between the Chief Minister and the Governor over university affairs has raised serious governance questions. It is not far-fetched to expect that Punjab, too, could follow the path of Sindh and K-P, seeking to grant greater control to the provincial executive by making the Chief Minister the Chancellor of public universities. Such moves reflect a broader pattern of provincial governments tightening their grip on universities, at the expense of institutional autonomy and academic freedom.

These developments reveal a deep contradiction in Pakistan's higher education policies. On one hand, there is an expectation for universities to excel in a globalised, competitive environment, producing groundbreaking research and fostering innovation. On the other hand, governments are imposing greater political control, turning universities into bureaucratic extensions of the state. This dilemma exposes a fundamental misunderstanding of what makes universities thrive. Academic institutions need autonomy, not micromanagement. They need governance structures that are transparent, independent and inclusive, rather than mechanisms designed to serve short-term political interests.

Instead of expanding direct control, provincial governments should focus on meaningful governance reforms. The creation of independent governing boards, empowered Syndicates, and active participation from civil society and business leaders are crucial for ensuring accountability while preserving autonomy. Universities must be given the space to set their own academic priorities, recruit the best talent and function as vibrant intellectual ecosystems.

The global evidence is clear: universities that operate free from political interference are the ones that lead in research, innovation and societal impact. Pakistan's universities, however, are being driven in the opposite direction, with provincial governments prioritising control over academic freedom.

Instead of strangling academic freedom and institutional independence, provincial governments must empower universities to fulfil their potential.