ISLAMABAD: In a recent order from the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Chief Court, Chief Justice All Baig and Justice Johar Ali addressed the prolonged tenure issue of the acting Vice Chancellor (VC) at the University of Baltistan, Skardu (UoB).
The court’s decision, in response to a writ petition (No 721/2022) filed by the petitioner, underscores concerns over the extended tenure of the current acting VC, M. Naeem Khan.
The court session on November 7, 2023, featured advocates Mr. Basharat Ali Ghazi and Miss. Zarina Batool representing the petitioner, with Mr. Muhammad Yaseen Baltistani advocating for the respondents. The petitioner argued that the Senate of UoB had unlawfully extended the acting VC’s term, contrary to the provisions of the University of Baltistan Order 2016.
Seeking the court’s intervention, the petitioner aimed to set aside Notification No. UoB Estt-2 (2)2018/1580 dated 01.06.2021 and directed the Chairman of the Senate UoB to arrange VC office duties in line with established provisions.
Muhammad Yaseen Baltistani Advocate, representing the respondents, clarified that the appointment of a new VC was underway, but legal challenges from the acting VC had impeded the recruitment process. Relevant documents regarding the intra-court appeal were submitted for the court’s consideration.
After careful consideration, the court acknowledged the need for timely action in appointing a new VC for the University. While University of Baltistan Order 2016, Section 11(7), empowers the Senate to make temporary arrangements for VC duties, the court emphasized that such arrangements should not be prolonged indefinitely.
In its order, the Chief Court directed the respondents to fill the VC position transparently through a merit-based recruitment process within 45 days from the order date. The compliance report is expected through the Assistant Registrar of the court for further review.
The court decision aims to address concerns over the extended acting tenure, ensuring the new VC’s appointment follows due process for the University’s best interests and its students.
It is noteworthy that the acting VC, since May 2021, allegedly employed various tactics to delay the regular appointment process, accused of manipulating circumstances to retain the position.
