Punjab governor recalls selection process of medical universities VCs

Lahore: In a departure from past practices, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has reversed the selection of 10 candidates for vice chancellor positions at five public sector medical universities. The governor's intervention followed the shortlisting of three candidates who objected to the decision made by the Punjab Cabinet and the CM Maryam Nawaz.

According to a summary from Dawn, four of the 10 candidates were initially deemed the top candidates on the merit list. Prof Mahmood Ayaz was recommended for King Edward Medical University, Maj-Gen Sohail Sabir for the University of Health Sciences, Maj-Gen Suhail Amin for Rawalpindi Medical University, and Prof Syed Asghar Naqi for Faisalabad Medical University.

Prof Zohra Khanum, ranked third on the merit list, was favored for the appointment of vice chancellor at Fatima Jinnah Medical University. The CM's objections to the nominations of two candidates, including Prof Zohra Khanum, led to the governor's recall of the selection process. She emphasized her qualifications, including her extensive experience at the university and her management expertise, making her a stronger choice for the role.

Unlike historical practice, the governor interviewed all 10 candidates after the brief objection by three. The CM subsequently approved the appointments of four candidates, while one woman candidate was recommended for FJMU. Other shortlisted candidates, including former VCs of UHS, Faisalabad Medical University, FJMU, and Rawalpindi Medical University, were dropped.

The governor may reject the summary and send it back for reconsideration by the CM. A total of 43 candidates had applied for the top positions in the five medical universities of Punjab, with a selection committee narrowing down the list to 10. The final decision rested with the CM, who interviewed the shortlisted candidates before approving the names of the five individuals mentioned above.