Sindh govt directs JSMU to appoint Qaim Ali Shah’s daughter as professor a day before her retirement

The Sindh government has directed Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) to initiate the process for appointing Prof Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, as a professor for another three years, a day before her scheduled retirement.

Secretary Universities and Boards Abbas Baloch issued directives to the JSMU vice-chancellor following a decision by the provincial cabinet.

According to the government communication, the cabinet, at its meeting on August 5, directed the vice-chancellor to consider Dr Shah’s appointment for three years in the “larger public interest”, citing the need for continuity in specialised healthcare services, academic leadership, postgraduate medical education, research and institutional development.

The communication, however, subsequently directs the vice-chancellor to take “immediate necessary action” for the proposed appointment in accordance with the prescribed procedure and applicable provisions of a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued on May 19, 2026.

The Universities and Boards Department has also directed JSMU to implement the cabinet decision “in letter and spirit without delay” and submit a compliance report detailing the action taken.

The PMDC notification cited by the government allows public-sector medical and dental institutions to engage retired faculty members up to the age of 65 on a contractual basis, subject to institutional requirements and applicable rules and policies.

The notification also states that the permission to engage retired faculty is “enabling in nature” and is neither mandatory nor binding on institutions.

The government’s move comes a day before Dr Shah’s scheduled retirement, according to the details cited in the official communication.