Employees at KMU are concerned about the announcement of new medical University
In reaction to the recent declaration made by the interim chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the introduction of new public sector medical universities, the KMU Employee Association has expressed reservations concerning the decision’s legitimacy within the current governance framework.
The association foresees potential legal disputes from both employees and students and urges a meticulous examination of the repercussions. Citing the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad Ordinance 2002, the KMU Employee Association highlighted that the process for establishing a university follows defined procedures encompassing legal protocols, resource evaluation, academic prerequisites, and a comprehensive feasibility study. The current approach, the association pointed out, seems to deviate from these established norms, raising concerns about potential violations of constitutional and legal structures.
In a statement, the KMU Employee Association underscored the constitutional obligation for the involvement of the elected government in establishing a provincial chartered university. Considering the interim government’s responsibility to ensure impartial elections, decisions such as enacting ordinances should align with the prevailing laws.
The association has raised apprehensions regarding possible breaches of the Medical Teaching Institutes Act (Amended) 2018, which mandates proper channels for processing recommendations by the respective Board of Governors. Any deviation from this process questions the legitimacy of decision-making.
Citing a recent notification by the Election Commission of Pakistan imposing restrictions on the interim government, including a prohibition on project announcements, the association suggested that categorizing the establishment of new universities as a development project might violate these guidelines.
Emphasizing adherence to the crucial requirements outlined by the HEC, the association’s governing body, led by Associate Professor Dr. Barkhna Jameel, has urged the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the chief minister, Health Advisor Prof. Dr. Riaz Anwar, the secretary of higher education, and other officials to retract the announcement.