Tensions are rising in Punjab as Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan faces off against the provincial government over the appointment of university vice-chancellors.
Sources reveal that Governor Haider has rejected all 13 summaries submitted for VC appointments, providing detailed reasons for each rejection in his communication with the provincial government.
This dispute follows the provincial government’s recent appointment of VCs at seven universities, which they defended by stating that the mandatory 14-day review period had expired.
Officials from the Governor’s House clarified that while the provincial government can suggest three candidates for each VC position, the ultimate authority for these appointments lies with the governor, who also serves as the chancellor of the universities. They highlighted that the 14-day review period for six university summaries had not yet concluded and stressed that all appointments must be based on merit.
In contrast, officials from the Chief Minister’s office argued that the governor’s role is primarily ceremonial and maintained that the appointments made were legally valid.
This conflict comes just a day after the provincial government appointed vice-chancellors for several major institutions, including Punjab University, the University of Gujrat, and Bahauddin Zakariya University.