Focus shifts to merit, safety, and institutional reform during South Punjab visit
In a firm message during his visit to Bahawalpur, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan announced a determined push to eradicate the “recommendation culture” from the province’s educational institutions, pledging a merit-first approach across all levels of higher education.
While inaugurating the newly completed Arfa Karim Academic Block at Government Sadiq College Women University, the Governor said meritocracy is not just a slogan—it’s a necessary foundation for any meaningful academic reform. “We’re building institutions that thrive on fairness, not favors,” he stated, emphasizing that the Chancellor’s Office is actively driving reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the academic landscape.
Education Reform with a Regional Focus
Governor Haider’s visit also included participation in the 100-year celebration of Islamia University Bahawalpur and a high-level meeting at Sadiq Public School, where he chairs the Board of Governors. He underscored that institutions in South Punjab are not only producing academic excellence but also playing a critical role in the region’s socio-economic progress.
By highlighting the transformation of regional institutions, the Governor subtly acknowledged a long-standing disparity between Punjab’s urban academic hubs and its underserved southern districts—a gap he appears keen to narrow.
Honoring a Tech Prodigy, Signaling a New Era
At the opening of the Arfa Karim Block, named after the late tech whiz who became the world’s youngest Microsoft Certified Professional, Governor Haider called it “a symbol of pride and aspiration.” He praised Arfa’s legacy as a beacon for Pakistan’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation, aligning his message with the government’s broader narrative of digital progress.
“The future belongs to knowledge and innovation,” he said, expressing satisfaction at the increasing student interest in research and constructive extracurricular engagement.
No Tolerance for Misconduct on Campus
The Governor also took a hardline stance on maintaining safe learning environments, particularly in women’s universities. Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy on harassment, he warned that any confirmed case would result in immediate termination and legal consequences.
“If a harassment complaint reaches my office, action will be swift and unforgiving,” he warned. Alongside this, he made it clear that drug use and disruptive behavior would also be met with strict disciplinary measures.
A Hands-On Approach to Academic Governance
In a departure from the traditionally passive role governors have played in university matters, Saleem Haider positioned his office as an open-door platform for reform. “We are not operating from a distance. My office is engaged and accessible, committed to the long-term growth of educational institutions across Punjab,” he concluded.
Governor Haider’s visit was more than ceremonial—it signaled a serious shift in tone and policy aimed at cleaning up entrenched academic practices and making education a force for equitable development in the province.