Sindh University VCs Seek Extensions Amid Controversy
Vice chancellors of several public universities in Sindh have reportedly started seeking extensions. The move follows controversy over an extension linked to the daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.Dr. Nusrat Shah heads Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana. She is the former chief minister’s daughter, and her first four-year term ends on January 1, 2027.
Extension Requests Gain Attention
According to sources, officials sent a summary seeking Nusrat Shah’s extension to the Sindh chief minister. Reports suggest the government approved the extension shortly before her current term ends.The reported timing has drawn attention from other university heads. Several vice chancellors also face the end of their terms in the coming months.
The development has created a fresh challenge for the Sindh chief minister. The provincial government controls appointments and extensions for public university vice chancellors.The government recently approved an extension for Jinnah Sindh Medical University Vice Chancellor Dr. Amjad Siraj Memon. However, authorities reportedly rejected extension summaries for Dr. Khalid Iraqi and Dr. Farooq Hassan.
Several VCs Face Expiry
Several other university heads now await decisions about their future. Their terms will expire at different times in the coming months.They include Dr. Ikramuddin Aijaz of Liaquat University. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand of Aror University also faces the end of his tenure.Dr. Arbela Bhutto heads Shaheed Allah Buksh University. Meanwhile, Dr. Asif Sheikh leads IBA Sukkur, while Dr. Taha Hussain heads Mehran University.
The terms of Tehmina Nungraj at Nusrat Bhutto Women University will also expire soon. Dr. Samreen Hussain of Dawood Engineering University faces a similar situation.As more VCs seek extensions, the Sindh government may face increased scrutiny over its decisions. University stakeholders will likely watch the process closely.The government has yet to publicly explain the criteria it will use for upcoming extensions. Therefore, further decisions could shape debate over university leadership and administrative appointments across Sindh.
