LHC Reserves Verdict On Petitions Against VCs Appointment Process

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Nov, 2016 ) : The Lahore High Court on Monday reserved verdict on petitions challenging appointment process of vice chancellors at four public sector universities of Punjab.

Justice Shahid Karim heard the petitions filed by Dr Asmatullah of the Punjab University's Zoology Department and others. Earlier, the petitioners' counsel Saad Rasool submitted that Punjab Higher Education Commission and Punjab Higher Education Department initiated the process for the appointment of the VCs at four varsities, including Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, University of Sargodha and Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering and Technology Multan.

He contended that the process had been started without lawful authority whereas search committees formed by the government were also illegal. He said the powers to appoint the VCs solely rested with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

He asked the court to direct the government to appoint the VCs in accordance with the law and observe merit. However, a provincial law officer submitted that the HEC had no role in appointment of vice chancellors at public sector universities.

He said the Punjab Higher Education Department was established after devolution of powers under the 18th amendment and the department had lawfully initiated process for the appointment of vice chancellors at four public sector universities.

He said the HEC could only furnish recommendations for education's standard and financial affairs of the universities. He went on to say that the HEC could not issue any guideline on appointment of VCs in the presence of universities' senate and syndicate.

He requested the court to dismiss the petitions against the appointment process. The court after hearing arguments reserved the judgement.