CM Maryam Nawaz Begins Interviews for VCs

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Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has initiated the process of selecting new Vice Chancellors (VCs) for 25 public sector universities across the province. The move comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen higher education in Punjab by appointing capable leadership at its universities.

On Monday, interviews with 11 candidates were completed, marking the first step in a series of evaluations that will culminate in the appointment of VCs for these institutions. The candidates interviewed so far include some of the most prominent figures in the academic community, including Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Dr Shahid Muneer, former Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) VC Dr Muhammad Ali, and several other esteemed professors.

The interview process is expected to continue throughout the week, with additional candidates being summoned from various cities to fill the vacant positions. Once all interviews are completed, a summary of the selected candidates will be submitted to the governor’s office for final approval. The appointed VCs will serve a four-year term, during which they will be responsible for guiding their respective universities toward academic excellence.

Sources close to the process have indicated that Dr Shahid Muneer is a strong contender for the VC position at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, while Dr Muhammad Ali is being considered for the top position at Punjab University (PU). However, it remains unclear which universities the other candidates are being considered for, adding an element of suspense to the ongoing selection process.

The appointment of VCs has generated significant interest among university faculty and has been a hot topic on social media, with many speculating about the potential outcomes. The anticipation is particularly high for key institutions such as Punjab University, University of Gujrat, Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB), Bahauddin Zakariya University, Government College University (GCU) Lahore, and University of Sargodha.

Meanwhile, the search committee continues to conduct interviews specifically for women’s universities, underscoring the importance of inclusive leadership in Punjab’s higher education landscape.

An official involved in the process noted that the CM conducted brief but thorough interviews with the candidates at the secretariat, with more interviews scheduled in the coming days. However, the official also mentioned that it is unlikely that Dr Asghar Zaidi, the former VC of GCU Lahore, who scored well in the interview, will be reinstated, partly due to political considerations related to his tenure during which former Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the students.

The final summary of the selected VCs is expected to be issued next week, setting the stage for new leadership at some of Punjab’s most prestigious academic institutions. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has to instruct PPP’s Governor Punjab to reject the summary of VC appointments as eminent scholar Dr Asghar Zaidi strongly recommended by search committee for VC GCU has become a target of political witch-hunt by CM Punjab.