Sindh Universities Paralyzed as Protests Against New Bill Escalate
Widespread protests against the Sindh government’s proposed amendment to the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws Act have brought academic activities in public universities across the province to a halt since January 6. Educators and academic professionals strongly oppose the legislation, viewing it as a threat to the leadership structure of higher education institutions.
The contentious bill proposes allowing bureaucrats and non-academic officials, alongside professors, to be appointed as vice-chancellors (VC) of universities. Academics argue that this change undermines the core mission of higher education, as individuals without a background in research or academia cannot effectively lead research-driven institutions. University rankings largely depend on research output, and appointing a VC without research credentials raises concerns about their ability to manage academic affairs.
Originally, the bill mandated that VC candidates hold a PhD. However, after review by the Standing Committee, this requirement was removed, lowering the eligibility criteria to a master’s degree. This change means an engineering university could have a VC with a master’s in engineering, a general university could be led by someone with a master’s in arts, and a medical university could be run by an individual with a basic master’s degree in a relevant field.
The Sindh government defends the amendment, arguing that it aims to improve university administration. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah recently stated that previous VCs and board chairpersons had faced allegations of corruption and misconduct. The government believes that expanding the candidate pool to include administrators from diverse backgrounds will enhance governance in higher education institutions. However, the chief minister clarified that professors would still be eligible to apply for the VC position under the new framework.
Despite these assurances, education experts remain unconvinced. They argue that bureaucrats are not immune to corruption, questioning whether other government departments in Sindh operate free from mismanagement and financial irregularities.
The bill has significantly disrupted universities across Sindh. Karachi University, typically bustling with students, now stands deserted, with classes suspended for days. The impact extends beyond Karachi University, as public universities across the province remain non-operational. The timing of the protests is particularly concerning, as students fear falling behind in coursework and struggling to prepare for exams.
During a recent press conference, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon was asked whether professors—key stakeholders in higher education—had been consulted before drafting the bill. Critics argue that major policy changes affecting universities should have involved faculty discussions to ensure informed decision-making.
The current turmoil follows the 2018 transfer of authority over universities and boards from the Governor of Sindh to the Chief Minister’s office. This shift has led to significant delays in key appointments. Over the past 15 years, VCs, finance directors, and board chairpersons have not been appointed on time, while essential positions such as controllers, secretaries, and auditors remain vacant in Sindh’s education boards. Despite previous amendments, the issue of delayed appointments persists.
With universities paralyzed and protests ongoing, the fate of Sindh’s higher education system hangs in the balance, leaving students, faculty, and administrators in a state of uncertainty.
