In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, Dr Samreen Hussain, Vice Chancellor of Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), has tendered her resignation to the Chief Minister of Sindh, citing unacceptable political interference in the university’s affairs.
Dr Hussain, a respected academic known for her integrity and commitment to institutional transparency, announced she would continue performing her duties until her resignation is officially accepted. However, she made it unequivocally clear that she would not bow to any external pressure or political dictation.
“I will not allow appointments that violate merit, nor will I accept politically motivated inductions into the university’s statutory bodies,” Dr Hussain stated, highlighting her refusal to compromise the institution’s integrity for political convenience.
She also pointed out that throughout her tenure, she refrained from misusing her position—using only her personal laptop and car and never availing herself of official vehicles or drivers for personal use.
The resignation has sparked concern among academics and education advocates, many of whom see it as a troubling sign of deepening political encroachment on public higher education in Sindh. Dr Hussain’s decision brings to light long-standing frustrations over political meddling in universities—an issue that critics argue has stifled academic freedom, undermined merit-based governance, and eroded trust in public institutions.
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While her principled stand has been lauded by many, others caution that such resignations, though symbolic, may ultimately weaken the resistance to political interference unless backed by systemic reforms. The situation underscores a critical need for stronger legislative safeguards to protect the autonomy of educational institutions in Pakistan.