Sindh Orders Removal of Faculty From Administrative Posts in Public Universities. The Sindh Higher Education Commission has ordered the immediate removal of all teaching staff serving in non teaching or administrative positions in public sector universities across Sindh. The directive applies to nearly 30 public universities and must be implemented within eight working days. The move follows clear orders from the courts and aims to bring university administration back in line with the law.
What the Order Says and Why It Matters
In an official directive sent to vice chancellors, the Sindh HEC stated that faculty members and PhD holders can no longer hold administrative roles. These roles include registrar, controller of examinations, directors of Quality Enhancement Cells, heads of ORIC, and other similar posts. The ban applies to all types of arrangements, including additional charge, own pay scale, and temporary postings.
The decision matters because it affects how public universities are managed. It separates teaching duties from administrative work and ensures that key offices are run by properly appointed officials. Authorities believe this will improve transparency, efficiency, and compliance with the law.
Court Orders Behind the Decision
The Sindh HEC based its action on binding court orders. These include a ruling by the Sindh High Court, Hyderabad Circuit, dated December 9, 2025, issued in Constitutional Petition No. 1757 of 2024. The order directed universities to end unlawful administrative appointments.
The commission also cited a directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan dated November 11, 2024. The Supreme Court ordered that all vacant administrative posts must be filled strictly according to law and that temporary or stop gap arrangements should end.
Why Universities Used Faculty in Admin Roles
In the past, many vice chancellors defended the practice of assigning faculty members to administrative posts. They argued that financial constraints made it difficult to hire separate administrative staff. In some cases, they claimed that no extra salary was paid to faculty taking on these roles.
However, the Sindh HEC has now rejected these arguments. The commission has made it clear that financial pressure does not justify violating court orders or bypassing legal appointment procedures.
Compliance Deadline and Warning
Vice chancellors have been instructed to terminate all such arrangements immediately. Each university must submit a compliance report to the Sindh HEC within eight working days.
The commission has also issued a clear warning. Any consequences arising from failure to follow the order will be the sole responsibility of the concerned university administration. This places direct accountability on vice chancellors and governing bodies.
Impact on Public Universities
The decision is expected to bring major changes to university governance across Sindh. Universities will now need to appoint qualified administrative officers through proper legal processes. This may lead to short term staffing adjustments but is expected to strengthen institutional management in the long run.
Students and academic staff may also see clearer roles and responsibilities, with faculty focusing fully on teaching and research rather than administrative duties.
FAQs
Why did the Sindh HEC issue this order now
The order follows recent rulings by the Sindh High Court and the Supreme Court, which required strict compliance with the law.
Which positions are affected
All administrative posts such as registrar, controller of examinations, QEC directors, ORIC heads, and similar roles.
Does this apply to temporary or additional charge postings
Yes. The ban applies to all arrangements, including temporary and additional charge postings.
What happens if a university does not comply
The university administration will be held fully responsible for any legal or administrative consequences.
Will this affect teaching activities
Teaching is expected to improve as faculty members will focus only on academic duties.
Conclusion
The Sindh HEC’s directive marks a strong push toward lawful and transparent governance in public universities. By ending the practice of assigning faculty to administrative posts, the commission aims to uphold court orders and strengthen institutional integrity. While the transition may be challenging, the move is expected to improve management standards and protect the long term interests of students and the higher education system in Sindh.
