KARACHI: Professor Dr Hussain Mehdi has resigned as vice chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari, citing what he described as sustained political pressure and interference in the university’s administrative affairs.
Mehdi confirmed that he had sent his resignation to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. According to reports, he said he would continue performing his duties until the resignation is formally accepted.
Speaking to Geo News, Mehdi said he had faced repeated pressure when taking action against alleged ghost employees and officials accused of involvement in harassment cases. He also claimed that he had been threatened with an outcome similar to that of the university’s former vice chancellor.
The resignation comes amid a dispute over administrative decisions at the university, including the status of dismissed employees and demands concerning the registrar. The controversy reportedly intensified following a Syndicate meeting involving a Sindh MPA and a university faculty member over the case of a dismissed employee.
According to the university’s Syndicate members, an elected MPA from Lyari had repeatedly created obstacles in university affairs and exerted pressure on the vice chancellor. These claims have been reported as part of the dispute surrounding the resignation.
In his resignation, Mehdi said the university had made progress over the previous 18 months in areas including financial management, faculty development, academic activities, infrastructure and institutional development. He argued that administrative appointments and decisions should be made by the university’s legally empowered authorities in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
Mehdi also said continued protests and pressure had disrupted the university’s administration and made it increasingly difficult for him to perform his responsibilities as vice chancellor.
The university is a public-sector institution under Sindh’s Universities and Boards Department.