Appointment of permanent VCs in public universities challenged in LHC

 The procedure adopted by the Punjab government regarding appointing permanent vice-chancellors in public sector universities across the province, including Punjab University, has been challenged in the Lahore High Court, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

LHC Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh heard the plea of Professor Sheikh Israr Ahmed while Assistant Advocate General Usman Khan appeared on behalf of the Punjab government.

The petitioner claimed that due process was not adopted by the government for hiring of permanent vice chancellors. The petitioner claimed he also applied but he was not shortlisted for the position, he alleged that the government was using pick and choose policy in appointments.

He demanded that set rules and regulations which are in practice for the appointment of Vice Chancellors should be followed.

The petitioner requested the court to dissolve the existing search committee for the appointment of vice-chancellors and form a new one.

The Assistant Advocate General raised an objection to the admissibility of the application. He told the court that many universities have been without permanent vice-chancellors for a long time.

Assistant  Advocate General said the applicant was not shortlisted as he could not meet the set criterion therefore LHC should reject the application of the petitioner.

After hearing the arguments of the lawyers of the parties, the court sought a detailed response from the petitioner and the Punjab government within two weeks.