Karachi : The Sindh government has appointed three senior cabinet members as pro chancellors of universities across the province A notification issued by the Department of Universities and Boards confirmed the new appointments linking political leadership more directly with the higher education sector.
According to the notification Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar Minister for Interior Law and Parliamentary Affairs has been named Pro Chancellor of the Law University.
Sardar Shah Minister for Education will serve as Pro Chancellor for the province’s general universities
while Jam Khan Shoro Minister for Irrigation has been given the role of Pro Chancellor of engineering universities.
In Sindh the Governor traditionally acts as the Chancellor of public universities while the position of ProChancellor allows provincial ministers to play a role in governance policy making and oversight of these institutions. The appointments give the ministers formal authority in academic and administrative matters, including participation in university councils and decisions on policy direction.
The decision reflects the provincial government’s policy of connecting cabinet ministers with higher education institutions. Supporters argue that this can help ensure stronger coordination between government priorities and academic development while also giving universities access to political backing and resources.
At the same time the move may trigger debate Critics are likely to question whether political leaders should hold such academic leadership roles raising concerns about institutional autonomy merit, and the potential politicisation of universities.
Sindh has one of the largest networks of public universities in Pakistan and placing senior ministers at the centre of their administration signals the government’s intent to tighten oversight and influence reforms
