In a groundbreaking development, Government College University Lahore (GCU) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have both made history by appointing female Vice Chancellors for the first time in their long and prestigious histories.
At Government College University Lahore, Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir, renowned for her academic prowess and leadership in the field of Physics, has been appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor. This marks the first time in the institution’s 160-year history that a woman has been entrusted with this esteemed position.
Prof. Bashir, who serves as the Dean Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at GCU, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Having earned her Master’s degree from Government College Lahore and her PhD from the Technical University, Vienna, Austria, she has been a stalwart of GCU’s academic community since 1996.
Her tenure as Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics and Institute of Physics, as well as Chairperson of the Department of Physics, has been marked by significant contributions to research and development in the field, boasting over 150 research publications in renowned international journals.
The appointment of Dr. Shazia Bashir has been met with widespread acclaim from faculty, staff, and students alike, signifying a momentous step towards gender inclusivity and recognition of women’s leadership in academia.
Meanwhile, Aligarh Muslim University has also made history by appointing Naima Khatoon as its Vice Chancellor, the first woman to hold the top post in over 100 years. Khatoon’s appointment received approval from President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Visitor to the University. In light of the Model Code of Conduct being in place, permission from the Election Commission of India was also sought, underscoring the significance of this landmark appointment.
These appointments mark a significant stride towards gender equality and recognition of women’s capabilities in leading esteemed educational institutions, setting a precedent for inclusivity and diversity in academia.
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