He will look after only ‘half education’ – schools

Appointment of CM’s adviser on higher education likely

Staff Report

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has decided to quit the portfolios of Higher Education, Tourism and Sports. In a statement here today, the Provincial Minister said that he will hold the portfolio of Schools Education only. Rana Mashhood said that he has also written a letter to Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif about this decision. He said that promotion of education at schools level was a heavy responsibility and he wants to discharge it in an efficient manner. Rana Mashhood said that he will spend all his energies for the promotion of education at schools level and continue to work for the success of educational vision of the Chief Minister. The Provincial Minister said that the secret of resolution of every problem of the country lies in the promotion of education.

The resignation came at a time when there were important developments in the Punjab higher education, including recruitment of four vice chancellors in Public Sector Universities. The case is under trial in the Lahore High Court after finalization of recommendations by the vice chancellor’s search committee and Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif.  Sources said that Rana Mashhood’s resignation from the ‘half of the education ministry’ – higher education – at this crucial time may affect vice chancellors’ appointment and pave way to prolong the court case further.

On the other hand the chief minister is expected to appoint his adviser on higher education.