Punjab Proposes Revising Age Limit for Medical University Vice Chancellors
By Arooj Fatima | Published Jun 8, 2026 | 2:35 pm
The Punjab health department has cancelled the ongoing selection process for vice chancellors of five public medical universities and is considering a proposal to increase the maximum age limit for applicants from 65 to 75 years.
According to officials, around 46 candidates applied for the positions after the government advertisement, with the last date for submission being May 6. The applicants included senior medical professionals as well as serving vice chancellors of the respective universities.
At present, the eligibility criteria for vice chancellor appointments in Punjab’s public universities set the maximum age limit at 65 years.
An official familiar with the matter said the selection process was paused while scrutiny of applications was underway by a government-appointed committee.
The proposed revision has sparked discussions within the medical community, as some believe it may affect the chances of younger candidates, while others view it as an opportunity to benefit from the experience of senior medical educators and administrators.
It has also been reported that the Punjab health department is considering introducing the proposed change through an ordinance to provide legal and administrative clarity.
The terms of the current vice chancellors of the five public medical universities are expected to end in July 2026. These include University of Health Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Rawalpindi Medical University, and Faisalabad Medical University.
Among the current vice chancellors, several are eligible for reappointment, while others are completing their second or third terms.
Specialized Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique confirmed that a proposal has been initiated to review the age limit for vice chancellor appointments.
He stated that the aim of the proposal is to consider experienced medical professionals for leadership roles in order to strengthen medical education and institutional performance.
The minister added that no final decision has been made yet, and all appointments will follow due legal and administrative procedures.
