Urdu University in crisis as hiring of VC delayed

Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Two members of the senate of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) have appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take steps for resolving the existential crisis being faced by the university as appointment of its vice chancellor has been facing an inordinate delay.
Dr Tausif Ahmed Khan and Dr Irfan Aziz, the senate members, told Dawn that despite the passage of two months, the interim VC was yet to notify the search committee finalised by the university’s senate at a meeting held on September 15, 2022. The senate meeting was presided over by the university’s chancellor who, in this case, is President Dr Arif Alvi.
The senate had directed that Higher Education Commission (HEC) ChairmanDr Mukhtar Ahmed would be the convener of the search committee. Sources said the senate had also directed to complete the process within three months. However, so far, the search committee is not notified what to talk about the appointment of the VC.
When contacted, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said: “Yes, the process of appointment of VC FUUAST has been facing inordinate delay. This is a matter of concerns for HEC and government. I have already taken up the issue with the university management and federal government.” He said at the meeting of the senate he had stated that he could appoint VC within two months.