The Senate of COMSATS University Islamabad has launched a series of major reforms aimed at improving university governance and addressing longstanding staff concerns. These actions are in response to issues raised by the University Staff Welfare Association and focus on restoring transparency, integrity, and accountability across the institution’s leadership and administrative structures.
Key steps approved by the Senate include moving forward with the appointment of a regular rector, a role essential for bringing stable and competent leadership to the university. To this end, a panel of three candidates for the rector position has been recommended, with the aim of filling the current leadership gap and ensuring effective management of both academic and administrative affairs.
Another notable reform involves restructuring the university’s deanship, which had previously been flagged as unlawful and detrimental to effective governance. The Senate’s decision to resolve this issue is expected to create a clearer, more legally sound administrative framework, enabling smoother and more efficient leadership operations.
To address ongoing staff concerns, the Senate has established a Grievance Committee led by the Minister for Science and Technology. This committee’s mandate includes addressing longstanding grievances, supporting staff welfare, and investigating any allegations of victimization or unfair practices that may have occurred within the university. The involvement of the Minister and key parliamentary figures, including the Chair of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology, helped to accelerate the adoption of these reforms.
The University Staff Welfare Association has welcomed these measures, describing them as a positive step toward institutional renewal. The association emphasizes the importance of maintaining adherence to the COMSATS University Act and the principles of lawful governance as these reforms are implemented. It also stresses the need for future leadership appointments and grievance proceedings to be conducted transparently and free from manipulation.
While acknowledging the significance of the Senate’s actions, the association notes that this marks the beginning of a broader effort to reform the institution and eliminate entrenched malpractice. USWA expresses its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to preserve the university’s reputation for academic excellence and ensure that new governance structures protect against future abuses of authority.
