The Lahore High Court on Wednesday restrained acting Vice Chancellor Faisalabad Agriculture University Professor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan from functioning and directed its Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal to look after the varsity's affairs. Professor Dr Sarwar had challenged the appointment of acting-VC at the Agriculture University for being illegal.
The petitioner's counsel Ahsan Bhoon argued that the law did not allow appointment of any acting VC in the absence of a regular one. He said under the law Pro-VC was supposed to run affairs of the university till appointment of the permanent VC. The counsel pointed out that the respondent Professor Dr Khan had already held the office of VC twice. The university's legal advisor told to the court that the chancellor/governor had the power to appoint any professor as acting VC to look after university's administrative affairs.
Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah observed that the acting VC would neither preside over syndicate meeting nor take any administrative decision. Hearing another petition, the chief justice sought a reply from the provincial government regarding progress in the appointment of a permanent vice chancellor of Punjab University.
Professor Dr Zaid Mahmood had questioned unnecessary delay in appointment of the regular VC of PU and eligibility of acting VC Professor Dr Zafar Moen. A law officer told the court that process for the appointment of VC was in process and fresh advertisement for the post would be made soon.