Punjab’s 37 public university vice-chancellors (VCs) have rejected the proposal to appoint the Higher Education Minister as the chairman of all university syndicates, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel on Tuesday.
According to sources, Secretary of Higher Education Dr Farrukh Naveed presented the proposal during a Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) meeting.
However, VCs strongly opposed the move, calling it an attempt to politically influence universities and increase bureaucratic control.
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FPOASA) warned of protests across the province if university autonomy is compromised.
They also demanded the appointment of a regular chairperson for Punjab HEC and the removal of the secretary from the commission’s leadership.
Professors and VCs have urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene, ensuring that universities remain free from political interference.
Reporter: Imran Younis