22/08/2026
Everyone is aware of the recent controversy surrounding the three-year extension given to Dr. Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, just one day before her scheduled retirement. The decision has already raised serious questions about merit, transparency and the opportunities of those waiting for promotion.
And now another question deserves to be asked.
Dr. Nusrat Shah, Vice Chancellor of SMBBMU and also daughter of Qaim Ali Shah, is approaching the end of her tenure, and a summary seeking her extension has reportedly been sent to the Chief Minister.
For anyone looking at this from outside, this may simply appear to be another administrative extension.
For those who have watched what has happened at Chandka Medical College during this tenure, it is much more than that.
Students have been arrested by police.
Students have been rusticated.
Students have been suspended for questioning administrative decisions.
Students have faced academic penalties and term-backs.
Students have, at various points, faced restrictions regarding their examinations amid disputes with the administration.
And in the AC controversy, more than 150 students were reportedly penalised Rs. 50,000 each. The university itself has published a list of students penalised Rs.50,000 in relation to hostel AC installations.
These are not insignificant incidents that can simply be forgotten when an extension is being considered.
A university is supposed to protect its students, listen to legitimate concerns and create an environment where questioning an administrative decision does not make a student feel that their academic career is at risk.
So when two daughters of the same former Chief Minister are simultaneously at the centre of major extension controversies, people are naturally going to ask questions.
Is this really about institutional need?
Is it about merit and performance?
Or are we slowly creating a system where connections matter more than accountability and where the same people continue to occupy positions while others wait for their opportunity?
To be clear, acknowledging someone's qualifications or past contributions does not mean giving them an indefinite claim to public office.
No individual should be bigger than the institution.
And no institution should forget the people it is supposed to serve.
If Dr. Nusrat Shah's extension is being considered, then the question should not simply be whether she can continue.
The question should be:
After everything that has happened during this tenure, why should she?
Students deserve an answer.
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council
Higher Education Commission, PakistanPakistan Medical & Dental CouncilVoice of Smbbmu LarkanaSyed Sardar Ali Shah
