KARACHI (Education Reporter): Allegations have surfaced regarding non-compliance with the prescribed standards of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for teaching appointments at the Dow University of Health Sciences. HEC-nominated Syndicate member and Regional Director of HEC Sindh, Suleman Ahmad, has written a letter to the Vice-Chancellor to formally lodge an objection on the matter, demanding a review of ongoing and recent appointments in accordance with the relevant criteria. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nazli Hossain has affirmed that all appointments comply with the rules, stating that they were conducted through the Selection Board and approved by a majority of Syndicate members in line with PMDC and HEC regulations.
In his letter to the Vice-Chancellor, Suleman Ahmad stated that in certain faculty recruitment cases, full compliance with the mandatory eligibility requirements of the HEC and, where applicable, the PMDC, does not appear to have been maintained. According to him, as a member of the Syndicate, he has raised this issue on more than one occasion, emphasizing that no candidate should be appointed or approved unless they satisfy all relevant legal and regulatory prerequisites. The letter noted that despite repeated reminders, satisfactory corrective measures were not taken, and processing continues for cases where full compliance with the prescribed standards has not been verified.
The letter further highlighted that appointments made contrary to established standards could expose the university to regulatory, accreditation, legal, and audit complications, while also risking the institution’s academic quality and reputation. The Syndicate member demanded that all ongoing and recent faculty appointments be thoroughly reviewed in light of the applicable HEC and PMDC criteria. He also urged that where required educational qualifications, experience, research publications, professional registration, or other mandatory conditions are not met, the process of appointment, promotion, or confirmation should not proceed.
Additionally, the letter requested that a detailed breakdown of compliance with the criteria be prepared for each position, complete with supporting documentary evidence, and presented at the upcoming Syndicate meeting. Suleman Ahmad declared his letter to be a formal objection and note of dissent against any teaching appointment made without complete adherence to the relevant HEC and PMDC standards, requesting that it be made a part of the official record.