Sindh Government Enacts Universities Amendment Bill 2025: Bureaucrats Eligible for Vice Chancellor Positions

The Sindh government has officially enacted the Universities Amendment Bill 2025, making it possible for bureaucrats to be appointed as Vice Chancellors (VCs) in public-sector universities across the province.

Governor’s Objections and Automatic Enactment

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori had initially refused to approve the bill and sent it back to the provincial assembly for reconsideration. His objections were primarily against expanding the eligibility criteria to include serving bureaucrats for VC positions in universities.

However, under Section 3 of Article 116 of the Constitution of Pakistan, if a bill is passed again by the assembly, with or without amendments, it becomes law within 10 days, even without the governor’s approval.

Vacancy Announcement for NED University’s Vice Chancellor Position

Following the bill's enactment, the Higher Education Department (HED) Sindh has announced a vacancy for the Vice Chancellor position at NED University. Under the new eligibility criteria, bureaucrats of Grade 21 or above can apply for the post.

Other eligible candidates for the position include:
✅ Deans
✅ Registrars
✅ Principals
✅ Academic experts

Strong Opposition from Faculty Associations

The bill has faced strong resistance from various academic bodies. The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) – Sindh chapter has condemned the new law and pledged to challenge it at every available platform.

Political Opposition and Assembly Debate

On February 17, 2025, the Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Universities Amendment Bill 2025 despite strong opposition protests. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, presented the bill before the assembly, leading to heated debates. Opposition members, especially from MQM, raised slogans against the bill, but their objections were ultimately overruled.

Conclusion

The Universities Amendment Bill 2025 is set to bring significant changes to the higher education landscape in Sindh, as bureaucrats can now hold top academic positions. However, with growing opposition from faculty associations and political stakeholders, the impact of this law remains to be seen.

📌 Reference: https://arynews.tv/universities-bill-enacted-in-sindh-bureaucrat-as-vice-chancellor-vc/