Murad laments his inability to remove errant vice chancellors

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday expressed disappointment over his inability to remove the vice chancellors accused of sexual harassment despite extensive efforts.

Shah warned the VCs at universities instigating protests to stop them or he would hold them accountable. The CM made these remarks while speaking at the 4th Research and Technology Showcase, which was organised by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) at the Expo Centre.

The event featured 41 universities from across Sindh presenting 417 groundbreaking research projects and innovations, underscoring the province’s creative potential in technology and research. Among those who spoke at the event were SHEC Chairman Prof Tariq Rafi and NED University VC Prof Sarosh Lodi.

Shah explained that VCs are appointed through a search committee, and noted that a PhD is the minimum qualification required for the position.

“Given the dire administrative conditions in public universities, which are on the verge of collapse, the cabinet decided to amend the law to include a requirement for administrative experience, and this bill has been referred to the assembly.”

He said that some VCs and vested interests have instigated protests in response to this amendment, “but we know how the law is applied. I’m warning the VCs concerned to stop the protests at their universities, otherwise I’ll hold them accountable.”

He also said that three VCs, all holding PhD degrees and having the required published research papers, were appointed through the search committee but were found involved in sexual harassment cases.

“I attempted to remove them, but they obtained stay orders from the court, allowing them to remain on their positions until the completion of their tenure.”

He also pointed out the case of a VC who withdrew funds from the university’s account for the travel expenses of a visiting French team despite the team already having covered their costs independently. Despite these controversies, he lamented, the VC remains in office, and “I’ve been unable to remove him”.

“These are the main reasons we’re amending the law — to establish safeguards because our children deserve the best VCs who know how to effectively run universities and secure the nation’s future.”

The CM said the law does not prevent PhDs and professors from being appointed as VCs, but it requires them to compete with other candidates.

He also expressed displeasure regarding a letter he received from the federal HEC, stating that they instigated protests by releasing the letter to the media before officially dispatching it.

Talking about the conference, Shah stressed the urgent need to reduce Pakistan’s dependency on foreign products by fostering home-grown solutions. He urged universities to strengthen their academia-industry partnerships, drawing examples from global success stories. “Our universities must support students and researchers in developing practical solutions to immediate local issues. This is the mindset we need to cultivate.”