CJP Expresses Concerns Over Vice-Chancellor Appointments in Public Universities
Justice Isa remarked that if a ranking were conducted on abusive language, Pakistan would be at the top.
Islamabad: During a Supreme Court hearing on the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors in public universities, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Isa, expressed deep concerns about the systematic destruction of Pakistan’s future, stating that the country is gradually crumbling.
The hearing, led by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Isa, reviewed a report presented by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on the status of universities across the country. The report revealed that out of 154 public universities in Pakistan, 66 either have vacant vice-chancellor positions or are being run with acting vice-chancellors. In the federal capital, 24 out of 29 universities have permanent vice-chancellors, leaving 5 positions vacant.
The situation in other provinces is equally troubling. In Balochistan, 5 out of 10 universities have permanent vice-chancellors, while the rest are managed by acting vice-chancellors. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has only 10 permanent vice-chancellors out of 32 universities, with 16 institutions being managed by officials with additional charges and 6 positions vacant. Punjab has 20 permanent vice-chancellors out of 49 universities, with 29 universities led by acting officials. In Sindh, 24 out of 29 universities have permanent vice-chancellors, with 5 institutions under temporary management.
Chief Justice Isa criticized the education department, questioning whether officials were neglecting their duties. He emphasized the critical role universities play in shaping Pakistan’s future and lamented that the nation is being systematically dismantled. He noted the disparity in media coverage, highlighting that while political conflicts dominate television channels, there are no programs addressing educational issues.
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Justice Isa further remarked that if a ranking were conducted on abusive language, Pakistan would be at the top. He condemned those who destroy schools under the guise of serving Islam, pointing out the irony that the government engages in negotiations with such individuals. Drawing a parallel with the decline of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), he warned that universities are facing a similar fate of destruction.
The Chief Justice’s remarks have spotlighted the urgent need for reforms in the education sector, urging authorities to prioritize the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors to ensure the stability and progress of higher education institutions in Pakistan.
Security threats: hearing of £190mn reference postponed
Hearing of £ 190 million reference against Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi has been adjourned without any proceedings due to security threats in Adiala Jail.
Accountability Court Islamabad Judge Nasir Javed Rana was scheduled to hold a hearing in Adiala Jail today (Wednesday) but the jail authorities requested to postpone the hearing due to security concerns.
In the application, the jail authorities said Adiala Jail was the most sensitive jail in the province where important political figures were imprisoned.
“The accountability court has scheduled a hearing against PTI founder and Bushra Bibi today in Adiala Jail. It is, therefore, requested that hearing should be adjourned,” said jail authorities.
In the request, the jail authorities said according to a report received from the Punjab government, there were security threats to Mianwali, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi and Attock jails.
A letter was sent to the judge accountability court on behalf of Adiala Jail authorities.
The accountability court, accepting the request of prison authorities, adjourned the hearing of the 190 million pound reference till May 17 without proceedings.
At February-end, an accountability court had indicted the PTI founder and his wife Bushra Bibi in the ill-famous 190 million pound case – also previously known as Al-Qadir Trust case – as the judge, Nasir Javed Rana, held hearing at the Adiala jail.
All the cases involving the former PTI chairman are being heard on the jail premises – where he is imprisoned – because of the security threats.
