FAPUASA for prompt appointment of Punjab varsities’ VCs

LAHORE: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has called on the government to urgently appoint vice chancellors for public sector universities in Punjab to address ongoing administrative challenges, stressing that political disagreements should not obstruct the selection process.
In a statement, FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi and the Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA), pointed out that universities have been witnessing more than two years of instability and ad-hoc leadership, which has severely disrupted the academic environment.
While the Punjab government has initiated the process of appointing vice chancellors, FAPUASA emphasised the need to avoid unnecessary delays. 
The association urged the chancellor, who is also the governor of Punjab, to recognise the critical nature of the situation. According to the Constitution of Pakistan and relevant University Acts, the roles of the chief minister and governor are clearly defined in these appointments. 
Stressing that the Search Committee has already finalised its recommendations, and further delays are only adding to the confusion and challenges faced by universities, FAPUASA called for swift action to appoint qualified vice chancellors to restore stability in educational institutions.
On August 31, 2024, the Supreme Court of Pakistan directed that vice chancellors for vacant positions nationwide be appointed. 
FAPUASA commended the Punjab government for recognising the urgency of this matter and taking meaningful steps to address it. However, despite this progress, hesitation within the chancellor's office seems to be delaying these vital appointments, it added.
Given the prolonged delays, FAPUASA urged the chief minister to take decisive action to ensure that the appointments proceed without further impediments, thereby restoring stability and normalcy to public sector universities.