Sindh University VCs seek extensions as tenures near expiry

According to sources, the first four-year terms of vice chancellors at eight government universities are set to expire over the coming months. Almost all of

ISLAMABAD: The extension of the tenure of Professor Dr Nusrat Shah, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU), Larkana, has reportedly prompted vice chancellors of several public-sector universities across Sindh to seek extensions as their first terms approach completion.

According to sources, the first four-year terms of vice chancellors at eight government universities are set to expire over the coming months. Almost all of the serving VCs, except one, are reportedly seeking second terms.

Nusrat Shah’s extension case reaches CM House

Sources in the Sindh Chief Minister’s House said that a summary seeking an extension for Dr Nusrat Shah has been forwarded to the Chief Minister of Sindh.

Dr Nusrat Shah’s current four-year term is scheduled to expire on January 1, 2027. She is the daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. Sources said her extension case has gained considerable attention and may receive approval.

The development has reportedly encouraged other vice chancellors whose terms are also nearing completion to pursue extensions.

One extension approved so far

The Sindh government has so far approved an extension only for Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University.

Sources said extension cases of Dr Khalid Iraqi and Dr Farooq Hassan have been rejected.

Other VCs seeking second terms

Several other vice chancellors are also approaching the end of their first terms:

• Dr Ikramuddin Ujan — Vice Chancellor, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro. His term expires on January 1, 2027. His extension case is reportedly complicated by allegations concerning the awarding of multiple gold medals to his son at the university.
• Dr Zahid Hussain Khand — Vice Chancellor, Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur. His term expires on January 19, 2027.
• Arbela Bhutto — Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages. Her term expires on January 19, 2027.
• Dr Asif Sheikh — Vice Chancellor, IBA Sukkur. His term expires on January 19, 2027.
• Dr Taha Hussain — Vice Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology. His term is due to expire in mid-March 2027.
• Tahmina Nangraj — Vice Chancellor, Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur. Her term expires on January 19, 2027.

•  Dr Samreen Hussain — Vice Chancellor, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. Her term expires in January 2027.

Sources said summaries seeking extensions for several of these vice chancellors are expected to be forwarded to the Chief Minister’s House in the coming weeks.

Test for Sindh government

The growing number of extension requests is likely to pose a fresh challenge for the Sindh government and the Chief Minister, who exercises an important role in the appointment and continuation of leadership at public universities.

The decisions are expected to be closely watched, with the candidates’ performance, administrative record, political affiliations and any controversies surrounding their tenures likely to come under scrutiny.

The outcome of these cases could also shape the leadership of Sindh’s public-sector universities for the next several years.