eight sindh public
| | |

Eight Sindh public university vice chancellors see…

The vice chancellors of eight public-sector universities in Sindh have reportedly begun efforts to secure extensions as their first terms in office are set to expire over the coming months.

The development follows the reported extension granted to Professor Dr Nusrat Shah, vice chancellor of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University Larkana and daughter of former Sindh chief minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah.

According to reports, the first four-year term of Dr Nusrat Shah is due to end on January 1, 2027. Sources at the Sindh Chief Minister’s House said a summary seeking her extension has reached the chief minister while reports suggest that approval may already have been granted. However, the reported approval has not been independently confirmed.

The extension issue is expected to become a major challenge for the Sindh government which serves as the controlling authority for public universities in the province.

Sources said that the reported development regarding Dr Nusrat Shah has encouraged other vice chancellors whose tenures are also approaching completion to seek extensions.

The vice chancellors of several universities are expected to complete their current terms between January and March 2027. Among them are Dr Iqbal Uddin Aijaz of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro and Dr Zahid Hussain Khand of Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage Sukkur. Their five-year terms are expected to end on January 1 and January 19, 2027, respectively.

Sources said summaries concerning their possible extensions could also be forwarded to the provincial government soon.

The report also mentions a controversy involving Dr Iqbaluddin Aijaz with questions reportedly being raised over multiple gold medals awarded to his son at the university. The issue could potentially affect consideration of his extension, according to sources.

Other university heads whose terms are approaching completion include Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University Vice Chancellor Arabela Bhutto, IBA Sukkur Vice Chancellor Dr Asif Sheikh, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Vice Chancellor Dr Taha Hussain, Nusrat Bhutto Women University Sukkur Vice Chancellor Tehmina Nungraj and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi Vice Chancellor Dr Samreen Hussain.

The provincial government has recently extended the tenure of only one vice chancellor, Dr Amjad Siraj Memon of Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Meanwhile, extension proposals for Dr Khalid Iraqi and Dr Farooq Hassan have reportedly been rejected.

The emerging situation is likely to place further attention on the Sindh government’s policy for appointing and extending the terms of public university vice chancellors.

Similar Posts

  • Lahore braces for heavy rain as WASA remains on high alert

    LAHORE: Lahore is experiencing hot and humid weather, with the current temperature recorded at 31°C and the maximum expected to reach 35°C. The minimum temperature is likely to remain at 28°C, while humidity stands at 75 percent and winds are blowing at 6 kilometres per hour. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall in Lahore from August 17 to 20 as part of the sixth monsoon spell, with rain expected across Lahore and other districts of Punjab until August 21. Authorities have warned of possible water accumulation in low-lying areas and urban flooding. In view of the forecast, WASA Lahore has been placed on high alert on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. WASA Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shahbaz Ahmed, DG WASA Punjab Tayyab Fareed, and MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed have directed officials to ensure that all major roads and underpasses remain clear and drainage operations continue without interruption. DG WASA Punjab directed all field teams to remain fully mobilised, while MD WASA Lahore instructed officials to operate disposal stations on generators in areas facing power outages to ensure uninterrupted drainage operations. The WASA Vice Chairman directed officials to keep pumps at all disposal stations operational and ensure that screens are regularly cleaned to prevent blockages. MD WASA Lahore also directed all Town Directors to closely monitor their respective areas and take immediate action wherever necessary. Meanwhile, WASA Lahore has released the latest rainfall record, with 21mm recorded at the Nishtar Town Director Office, 2.2mm in Kahna and 25.4mm at the Nishtar Town Disposal Station. The Nishtar Town Disposal Station recorded the highest rainfall among the reported locations. Under the directives of MD WASA Lahore Ghufran Ahmed, continuous monitoring of drainage operations is underway, with field officers and staff remaining fully mobilised to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater. The Meteorological Department has also advised citizens to take precautionary measures during rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel. Relevant authorities have been directed to remain alert and take all necessary measures to deal with any emergency situation.

  • |

    Delhi court gives Tahir Hussain life sentence

    A court in New Delhi on Friday sentenced former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Tahir Hussain to life imprisonment for the murder of Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. The verdict was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Parveen Singh after the court found Hussain guilty in the high-profile murder case linked to the communal violence that erupted in northeast Delhi in February 2020. The court also awarded life imprisonment to four other convicts found guilty in the same case. All five were held responsible for the killing of Ankit Sharma, whose death became one of the most widely discussed incidents of the riots. According to the prosecution, Sharma was attacked and killed during the violence that broke out in northeast Delhi, where clashes between rival groups resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life and damage to public and private property. The 2020 Delhi riots lasted several days and claimed dozens of lives while leaving hundreds of people injured. The violence triggered multiple criminal investigations, with police registering several cases against individuals accused of involvement in killings, arson and rioting. Tahir Hussain was elected as a municipal councillor from northeast Delhi on an Aam Aadmi Party ticket in 2017. He was considered a prominent local political figure before the riots. Following his arrest in connection with multiple cases related to the 2020 violence, the Aam Aadmi Party suspended him from the party. Since then, Hussain has remained at the centre of several legal proceedings arising from the riots. Friday’s judgment marks a significant development in one of the most prominent cases linked to the 2020 Delhi violence. The court concluded that Hussain and the four co-convicts were responsible for the murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma and imposed life imprisonment as punishment. The ruling is expected to remain one of the most significant judicial decisions connected to the 2020 Delhi riots, which continue to have legal and political implications in India.

  • | |

    New CCTV footage emerges in Mir Raza Ali murder in…

    Fresh CCTV footage has surfaced in the investigation into the murder of Mir Raza Ali, providing investigators with another potential lead as police continue to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. The newly obtained footage, captured by a surveillance camera overlooking the area where Ali’s body was discovered, shows a motorcycle stopping briefly at the location. According to investigators, the recording is timestamped at 3:36 a.m. on July 29, with the motorcycle remaining at the scene for approximately 20 seconds before leaving. Due to poor lighting, the footage does not clearly reveal the number of people riding the motorcycle or provide any identifying details, making further forensic analysis necessary. Mir Raza Ali, a resident of Karachi’s Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS), went missing on July 28 after leaving his home at around 4:09 a.m. in an online taxi. His body was found two days later in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Police said the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, and his body was recovered in a severely deteriorated condition, indicating that it had remained at the location for some time before being discovered. Investigators have also revealed that all of Mir Raza Ali’s social media accounts were deactivated a day before his body was found, adding another element to the ongoing probe. Authorities are continuing to review CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and digital records as they work to determine the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible for the crime.

  • | | |

    Pakistan-origin Saadia Zahidi makes jistory as fir…

      Pakistan-origin business leader Saadia Zahidi has been appointed as the next Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), becoming the first woman in the organization’s history to hold the top position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the global aviation industry and highlights the growing role of women in leadership positions within international organizations. Zahidi is set to officially assume her new role on January 1, 2027, succeeding the current leadership after an extensive international selection process. She brings decades of experience in global economic policy, leadership development, and strategic planning, making her one of the most respected figures in international business and public policy. Before joining IATA, Zahidi served as Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF), where she played a key role in shaping discussions on the future of work, economic competitiveness, gender equality, innovation, and sustainable development. During her tenure, she worked closely with governments, multinational corporations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to develop policies aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and preparing societies for emerging global challenges. Her appointment is being viewed as a landmark achievement, not only because she is the first woman to lead IATA but also because she is of Pakistani origin. Many have described the decision as an important step toward greater diversity and inclusion in global leadership. Zahidi’s professional journey has inspired many young professionals, particularly women from developing countries, demonstrating that talent, expertise, and dedication can open doors to leadership at the highest international level. The International Air Transport Association represents hundreds of airlines worldwide and plays a central role in shaping the global aviation industry. The organization is responsible for promoting safe, efficient, secure, and sustainable air transport while working closely with airlines, governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to address industry challenges. As Director General, Zahidi will oversee efforts to support airline operations, strengthen international cooperation, advance environmental sustainability, and guide the aviation sector through future technological and economic changes. Industry observers believe Zahidi’s extensive experience in global policy and economic strategy will bring a fresh perspective to IATA as the aviation sector continues to recover from recent global disruptions and adapts to evolving passenger expectations, digital transformation, and climate commitments. Her leadership is expected to focus on collaboration, innovation, and long-term resilience for the industry. Her appointment has been widely welcomed by professionals across the aviation and business communities. Many have congratulated her on achieving a historic milestone, describing her selection as recognition of her exceptional leadership and international experience. For Pakistanis around the world, Zahidi’s achievement is a source of pride and inspiration. Her rise to the highest position in one of the world’s most influential aviation organizations reflects the growing global impact of professionals of Pakistani origin and reinforces the importance of diversity in shaping the future of international industries.

  • | |

    Shehbaz denounces Houthi attacks in call with MBS

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, reaffirming Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom. During the conversation, the prime minister described the attacks as unacceptable and said they violated international law while posing a serious threat to freedom of navigation and regional stability. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan stands firmly with Saudi Arabia during the current security situation. He conveyed the country’s complete solidarity with the Saudi leadership and people, stressing that Pakistan remains committed to supporting the Kingdom in safeguarding regional peace and security. The prime minister also said he conveyed the support of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the entire Pakistani nation, expressing unity with Saudi Arabia at what he described as a critical time. According to the prime minister, both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination on issues affecting regional peace and maritime security. They emphasised the importance of ensuring the safe and uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping through the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, two of the world’s most important international trade routes. The two sides also agreed to continue working together to promote stability across the wider Middle East and support efforts aimed at protecting lawful maritime commerce from security threats. The conversation comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The waterway remains a vital route for global energy supplies and international trade, making its security a key concern for countries in the region and the wider international community.

  • |

    Zelenskyy warns Egypt of Black Sea food security threats as Russia rejects maritime ceasefire

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi that ongoing Russian strikes on commercial shipping in the Black Sea pose a direct threat to regional food security and grain exports across Africa and the Middle East. Speaking via X, Zelenskyy noted that significant supply reductions are already driving up global grain prices and warned of severe consequences if attacks on cargo vessels persist. In response to proposals for a maritime truce, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejected a third-party proposal from Kyiv to halt strikes on civilian shipping. Moscow dismissed the initiative as a “half-measure” that would merely grant Ukrainian forces operational breathing space, accusing Kyiv of attempting to destabilise Black Sea shipping routes. The diplomatic standoff coincides with several broader geopolitical developments across the region. Russian authorities acknowledged domestic petrol shortages after a Ukrainian strike forced the six-month closure of the Orsk oil refinery, located 1,300 km from the front line. Meanwhile, Polish officials warned that Russian cyber actors are exploiting historical grievances over World War II massacres to strain relations between Warsaw and Kyiv. Further escalating regional concerns, Romanian defence officials confirmed that a second unidentified drone crashed inside NATO territory near the border village of Plauru, whilst Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed deep security cooperation with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during commemorations marking the end of Japanese colonial rule.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *