Punjab’s Decision to Rename 6 Public Universities Challenged in Court

A legal challenge has been lodged in the Lahore High Court against the Punjab government's decision to alter the names of six public universities. The petition, submitted by Raheela Murtaza, a Master's student at Government Sadiq College for Women (University), and supported by Advocate Aftab Mubarik, targets the Public Sector Universities (Amendment) Act 2026.

This Act, which came into effect on May 6, 2026, and was announced in a Punjab Gazette notice on October 23, 2026, removed the term "university" from the names of six institutions. The petition contends that the renaming decision proceeded without adequate consultation of crucial parties, including university officials, faculty, academic bodies, and students.

It further contends that the renaming may impact the institutions' academic prestige, international standing, research achievements, and global positions. The petitioner also worries about potential obstacles for thousands of current and former students in verifying their degrees, especially those pursuing employment, further studies, or immigration abroad.

According to the petition, graduates might encounter problems as their qualifications and academic histories will bear the former names of the universities. The petitioner has asked the court to rule the pertinent sections of the amendment unconstitutional and unlawful, to the extent they modify the identity and titles of the impacted universities.