PESHAWAR
In a significant move aimed at restoring academic leadership and stability across higher education institutions, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has appointed Vice Chancellors (VCs) for 16 public sector universities.
The appointments come following a delay of over two years and in compliance with a Supreme Court directive.
Among the key appointments, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali has been named Vice Chancellor of Hazara University Mansehra, while Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khalili will head Khushal Khan Khattak University Karak. At the University of Lakki Marwat, Dr. Aurangzeb Khan has been appointed VC, and Dr. Tahir Irfan will lead Abbottabad University of Science and Technology.
In the engineering and technology sector, Dr. Gul Muhammad Khan has been given charge of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Mardan, while Dr. Muhammad Siddique has been appointed as the VC of UET Peshawar. Dr. Dawood Jan will take over the University of Agriculture Swat, and Dr. Shakibullah will lead the Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Swat.
Other appointments include Dr. Sardar Khan at University of Shangla, Dr. Johar Ali at University of Peshawar, Dr. Jamil Ahmed at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Dr. Saeed Bacha at University Nowshera, Dr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan at University of Science and Technology Bannu, Dr. Ghazala Yasmin at Women University Swabi, Dr. Zahoor-ul-Haq at Bacha Khan University Charsadda, and Dr. Syed Zafar Ilyas at University of Science and Technology Kohat.
Commenting on the appointments, KP Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan stated that the step reflects the government’s firm resolve to enhance the quality of higher education in the province.
“Universities are striving to overcome longstanding challenges, and we are confident that the new leadership will play a pivotal role in promoting academic excellence and improving the welfare of students and faculty,” he said.
Minister Meena Khan stressed the need for innovation, transparency, and reforms centered around students, reaffirming that the government would continue supporting higher education institutions in achieving these goals.
