ISLAMABAD: The first female Rector of any university in Pakistan has been removed from the seat for her continued absence from the duty by the Supreme Court on Friday 20 Sep 2024. Dr Samina Malik was appointed Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in Aug 2023 for 4 years. The court has declared the appointment illegal. The court left the decision on Malik’s position to the federal government. CJP also questioned why the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had allowed this to continue.
The matter started from the rumors that her degree is questionable. When asked by HEC, she did not appear on the pretext of illness. When called to the syndicate, she did not appear. Then the matter came in the court of CJP who summoned her many times but she did not appear. She submitted a medical certificate that was in the name of some Samina Rashid.
On Friday, SCP strictly ordered her production before the court. There she appeared in a wheelchair and brought four journalists with her. The chief said that if you are constantly sick, then quit. The chief also said that now I know what you will say when you go out.
The university was established with financial support of Saudi Arabia where students from more than 20 Islamic countries are studying. The President of the university is appointed from Saudi Arabia. Dr Samina Malik has been chairing the administration meetings and calling on President of Pakistan and other officials in her position as Rector along with Saudi officials.
During the hearing, the education secretary assured the court that an audit of the university would be conducted by the Auditor General. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa questioned her fitness for the role, suggesting that if she cannot perform her duties due to illness, she should resign.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa voiced strong criticism over the misuse of media to launch personal attacks, remarking that the “easiest job is to hurl abuse at the Chief Justice.”
His comments were made during a Supreme Court hearing regarding the appointment of permanent vice-chancellors at public sector universities, particularly in the case involving Samina Malik, Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Isa, addressed the issue of Samina Malik’s absence from court and university meetings, citing health reasons. The court questioned the legitimacy of the medical certificate provided by Malik, noting that the certificate was issued under the name “Samina Rashid,” different from the name on official documents. This discrepancy prompted the Chief Justice to suggest that the certificate might be fake.
Samina Malik’s lawyer, Rehanuddin Golra, argued that her health condition was genuine, presenting her inability to attend meetings due to back problems.
A heated exchange ensued between the Chief Justice and the lawyer, with Chief Justice Isa pointing out inconsistencies and questioning why she had repeatedly failed to appear or participate in person, while relying on online attendance for meetings.The lawyer insisted that Malik had attended other meetings online and was only absent from one.
Chief Justice Isa expressed frustration over the apparent evasion of responsibilities by citing health excuses, asking whether Malik’s continued position as rector was justified.
“If she is unwell to this extent, why should she remain in the post?” he asked, noting that important decisions in the university were being delayed due to her absence.
During the hearing, the court ordered Samina Malik to appear in person, and she was brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair. Chief Justice Isa reprimanded her for avoiding official meetings, emphasizing that her excuses were becoming a pattern.
“Is there only one woman in all of Pakistan who is always sick?” the Chief Justice remarked, sarcastically addressing Samina Malik’s frequent absences.
The court further criticised the growing practice of media manipulation, where journalists are allegedly hired to spread negativity and attack public figures. Chief Justice Isa noted that a handful of “rented journalists” have made it a practice to hurl abuses at judges and public officials, suggesting that it was becoming the norm.
“Three or four paid journalists will go and start hurling abuses; is that acceptable?” he said.
He also commented on the rising trend of personal attacks through media campaigns, especially targeting the judiciary.
“The easiest job is to hurl abuse at the Chief Justice,” he added.
The State of Affairs @ Higher Education Commission of Pakistan -by- Dr Yousaf Almagirian
