The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated the process for the regular appointment of vice-chancellors for the province’s 16 public sector universities. This includes the appointment of a chairman and two members to the academic search committee, which is responsible for recommending names to fill vacancies. The high-powered committee, which was previously understaffed due to resignations, now has a new chairman and two members appointed by the caretaker government.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act, 2021 empowers the academic search committee to conduct interviews for VC candidates and recommend a panel of three persons for each VC post. The law also outlines the process for the appointment of vice-chancellors by the chancellor on the advice of the government.
The higher education department has expressed its commitment to beginning the interview process for VC vacancies soon, ensuring that the selection process proceeds without delay. Several universities in the province are currently functioning without regular VCs, and it is hoped that this process will fill these vacancies promptly.