The Sindh government has directed Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) to initiate the appointment of Prof Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, as professor for another three years just a day before her retirement, raising questions over the manner in which a general Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) policy for engaging retired faculty has been invoked in the case of a specific individual.
Secretary Universities and Boards Abbas Baloch has issued formal directives to the JSMU vice-chancellor for implementation of the provincial cabinet’s decision. Significantly, however, the very PMDC notification cited as the basis for the proposed appointment expressly states that permission to engage retired faculty members is only “enabling in nature” and is neither mandatory nor binding on any institution.
Referring to Agenda Item No. 16 of the provincial cabinet meeting held on August 5, the Universities and Boards Department said the cabinet “in the larger public interest” and with a view to ensuring continuity of specialised healthcare services, academic leadership, postgraduate medical education, research, innovation and institutional excellence, had directed the JSMU vice-chancellor to consider Dr Shah’s appointment as professor for a period of three years.
However, while the cabinet decision initially uses the word “consider”, the subsequent portion of the government communication effectively turns it into a directive. The vice-chancellor has been asked to take “immediate necessary action” for Dr Shah’s appointment as professor for three years in accordance with the prescribed procedure and the applicable provisions of the PMDC notification dated May 19, 2026.
The department has further directed that the cabinet decision be implemented “in letter and spirit without delay” and that a compliance report, along with details of the action taken, be furnished on a priority basis.
The PMDC notification cited by the provincial government, however, raises significant questions about the move. Under the notification, public-sector medical and dental institutions may engage retired faculty members up to the age of 65 purely on a contractual basis, subject to institutional requirements and applicable rules and policies.
Crucially, the PMDC notification makes it clear that the provision is merely enabling and “shall not be construed as mandatory or binding upon any institution”. It further says that each institution remains competent to decide whether to engage retired faculty in accordance with its own requirements, governing statutes, rules, regulations and availability of resources.
The notification also stipulates that such contractual engagement would confer no right to regular appointment, seniority or permanent absorption in service. More importantly, it says the engagement of retired faculty must not adversely affect the promotion prospects, career progression or cadre structure of junior faculty members.
Against this backdrop, questions are being raised as to why the case of one particular faculty member was taken to the provincial cabinet when the PMDC policy leaves the decision entirely to the institution concerned. The PMDC notification does not direct the appointment of any particular individual; rather, it lays down a general framework applicable to recognised public-sector medical and dental institutions.
