Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Academic Staff Association of COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad Campus (ASA-CUI, Islamabad Campus) has expressed grave concern over the prolonged administrative vacuum at the university and has called upon the Chancellor, the President of Pakistan, to appoint a permanent Rector amongst the list of three names forwarded by the Senate of CUI at the earliest in order to restore stability and good governance at CUI.
The office of Rector has been lying vacant since July 2023, forcing the university to function through acting arrangements that have deeply undermined efficiency, transparency, and institutional morale. In a major development, the 8th (Special) Senate meeting of COMSATS University was convened on August 20, 2025, by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi. During this meeting, and in accordance with the CUI Act 2018, three candidates were shortlisted in order of priority: Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tufail, and Prof. Dr. Jamil Ahmed. These names have been forwarded to the Chancellor’s office through the Ministry of Science and Technology for final approval. At this crucial stage, however, certain elements are attempting to derail the process for their vested interests, a move strongly condemned by the faculty as an attack on institutional stability and merit.
The faculty firmly believes that there is no justification for further interim or stopgap appointments, which have already caused irreparable harm to the university’s governance. Instead, ASA-CUI, Islamabad Campus strongly demands that the Chancellor make a permanent appointment strictly on merit from among the Senate’s prioritized recommendations, ensuring that the institution is led with vision, accountability, and stability.
In a positive development, the Senate has also approved the appointment of permanent Deans for all faculties. However, except for the Deans, all other statutory positions are currently being held by individuals on acting charge, and their replacement with permanent appointments depends on the appointment of a permanent Rector.
The faculty of COMSATS University remains hopeful that the Chancellor’s office will uphold merit, respect the Senate’s recommendations, and bring an end to the administrative chaos that has persisted for more than two years.
A timely and merit-based appointment of a permanent Rector will not only restore confidence within the university but will also enable CUI to focus on its core mission of delivering excellence in higher education and research.
