IHC Challenges IIU Vice-President Appointments Over Merit Process
A citizen has challenged the appointment of three vice-presidents at the International Islamic University (IIU). The petitioner, Javed Akhtar, approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the appointments.Justice Ayaz Shoukat heard the case on Monday. The court issued a notice to IIU and sought a detailed response within two weeks.
The appointments cover three key areas at the university. These include Research and Enterprise, Administration and Finance, and Academics.
Petitioner questions appointment process
Lawyer Aakash Atara represented the petitioner before the court. He said the IHC had previously ordered IIU to follow a transparent appointment process.According to the lawyer, the university did not follow the court’s earlier directions. He argued that the institution should appoint qualified candidates through an open-merit process.
Instead, the lawyer claimed that university management selected faculty members through its own procedure. Therefore, he asked the court to examine the legality of the appointments.The case focuses on whether IIU followed proper rules while selecting the three vice-presidents. It also raises questions about transparency within the university’s appointment system.
Court seeks detailed response
During the hearing, Justice Ayaz Shoukat asked whether the Board of Governors had delegated its authority to a committee. The question relates to the process used to approve the appointments.The court has now directed IIU to submit a detailed reply within two weeks. The university will have an opportunity to explain the process and respond to the allegations.The court later adjourned the hearing. Further proceedings will take place after IIU submits its response.
The case could bring renewed attention to appointment procedures at public universities. It may also clarify the role of governing bodies in selecting senior academic officials.For now, the court has only sought a response from the university. No final decision has been issued regarding the validity of the appointments.
