Tensions mount as Punjab Governor rejects VC summaries

Lahore: Tensions have risen between Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan and the provincial government over the issue of appointment of vice-chancellors (VCs) for Punjab's universities.

Governor Haider rejected all 13 summaries presented for VC appointments, giving the reason for each rejection in a formal response to the provincial government.

According to Governor office, the summaries were not sent in accordance with the law or established regulations. “The summaries should have included three names from the Chief Minister's House in alphabetical order, from which the governor was to select one candidate,” stated the Governor’s spokesperson.

The Punjab government argued that the required 14-day review period had already passed. However, sources from Governor House stated that the final decision on VC appointments rests with the governor, who also serves as the chancellor of the universities.

They also mentioned that the review period had not yet ended for six universities.

Governor House emphasized that appointments would only be made on merit. Meanwhile, sources from the Chief Minister’s office disagreed, saying the governor’s role is ceremonial. They insisted the appointments were legally made.

This clash follows the provincial government's appointment of VCs at major institutions, including Punjab University, the University of Gujrat, and Bahauddin Zakariya University.