Without VC of 1 in 3 Pakistan Govt. Universities Senate Panel Reveal
“Vacant Leadership: Lack of Heads in Nearly One-Third of Pakistan’s Public Universities Raises Concerns
Almost 50 out of 154 universities are without Vice-Chancellors, with 42 functioning with acting heads, according to Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. The situation highlights challenges in recruitment, particularly after the 18th Amendment, transferred VC appointments to provincial governments.
Provincial issues, litigation, and caretaker setups delayed appointments, prompting HEC’s efforts to aid universities in finding regular leadership. The committee discussed power transfers to provinces, focusing on education. Federally chartered universities follow a different appointment process compared to provincially chartered Higher Education Institutions.
The committee stressed redirecting resources to engage youth in education and employment, essential for countering terrorism. Education spending remains low, only 1.77% of GDP, missing the target of 5% set for education and 1% for research.
Additionally, concerns about youth drug addiction led to calls for reallocating counter-terrorism funds. Discussions on PSB-owned entities highlighted a 41% reduction in funds in the Public Sector Development Program. The committee emphasized the role of education, employment, and sports in countering terrorism, aiming to review federally owned sports facilities through a sub-committee.