The appointment of a junior professor of Pro Rector (Pro VC) of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (Lumhs), Jamshoro, has triggered a strong opposition from senior faculty members.

The Directions Committee for Lumhs convened a meeting on Tuesday to express dissatisfaction with the Sindh government’s decision to appoint Dr. Arshad Hussain Abbro as the new Pro VC. “The Committee emphasized that seniority must be respected in the decision -making process when the government recently appointed a junior candidate for the position,” read a statement issued after the meeting. Committee members also expressed disappointment with Sindh -Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah over the appointment.

The announcement of Dr. ABRO’s appointment, with effect from April 18, was issued earlier this week by secretary of universities and boards, Muhammad Abbas Baloch. He is ready to replace the current Pro VC, Prof Dr Seema Naz, who retires on April 17.

The deans urged the Sindh government to consider the appointment to facilitate growing dissatisfaction among the faculty.

Separately, Sindh High Court (SHC) remained Hyderabad Circuit Bench Tuesday Dr. Abro’s appointment and issued messages to the provincial government, secretary Baloch, health secretary and registrar for Lumhs. The stay was awarded in response to a petition filed by the current Pro VC.

Her legal adviser informed the court that Dr. Seema was named Pro VC for a four -year period on August 30, 2024, and her tenure will be terminated in August 2028. The petition also claimed that several senior professors were overlooked in favor of a junior appointment.

The petitioner also noted that the Lumhs Syndicate had previously prevented Dr. Abro from having administrative positions. In light of this, SHC suspended the provincial government’s summary dated March 26 regarding Dr. Abro’s appointment and ordered the respondents to submit their answers before April 22.

Those present at the meeting included dean of basic sciences prof dr. Munawar Alam Ansari, Dean of Medicine and Allied Sciences Prof Dr Moeen Ansari, Dean of Surgery and Allied Sciences Prof Dr. Ashok Kumar Narsani, Dean of Dentist, Prof Dr. Prof Dr Seema Naz also joined the meeting later.