Islamabad 25 July: The Punjab Assembly has reaffirmed legislation mandating the inclusion of Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) in the governing bodies of public universities across the province, a move aimed at strengthening oversight and ensuring public accountability in higher education.
Under the existing legal framework—particularly the University of the Punjab Act, 1973—MPAs have long been entitled to participate in key university bodies such as syndicates and senates. The current reinforcement emphasizes that at least one MPA from each division, and one from each district in Lahore Division, will serve on university senates. Additionally, the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly will nominate MPAs to represent the legislature on syndicates.
Although these provisions are not new, their renewed enforcement has drawn attention due to growing concerns over mismanagement and declining standards in public universities. The inclusion of elected representatives is intended to bring greater transparency to decisions regarding budgets, academic programs, and leadership appointments.
“The intent is to ensure public universities remain accountable to the people who fund them,” said a senior official in the Higher Education Department. “MPA participation can help align university priorities with the needs of local communities.”
However, critics warn that political involvement in academic affairs must be handled with care. Past instances have shown that while MPAs have seats on paper, many are often absent from crucial meetings, leaving administrative decisions to be made unilaterally.
In universities like the University of Gujrat, three MPAs currently sit on the syndicate—yet, according to media reports, their participation has been limited and their influence minimal.
The legislative reinforcement comes amid broader reforms in Punjab’s higher education system, including a controversial 2023 law that replaced the governor with the chief minister as chancellor of public universities.
While supporters view MPA involvement as a step toward more responsive governance, educationists continue to call for clear boundaries to preserve academic independence.
