Government College University Lahore marks a significant milestone by appointing its first female head in the university’s 160-year history.
Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, has been appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor for a period of four months or until the regular Vice Chancellor is appointed. The Punjab governor approved this appointment.
Dr. Bashir is a distinguished Old Ravian, with a rich academic background. She holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Government College Lahore, an MPhil from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, and a PhD from the Technical University in Vienna, Austria. Her career at GCU Lahore began in 1996, and she has since made significant contributions to academia, serving as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics, the Institute of Physics, and as the Chairperson of the Department of Physics. Her extensive research work has led to over 150 publications in reputable international journals.
The appointment of Dr. Shazia Bashir has been warmly welcomed by faculty, staff, and students, marking an important moment in the history of GCU Lahore.
Similarly, Aligarh Muslim University has also made history by appointing its first female Vice Chancellor in over 100 years. Naima Khatoon has been appointed to the top position after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu, who is the Visitor to the University. Due to the Model Code of Conduct being in effect, the approval also required permission from the Election Commission of India.
These appointments reflect significant progress in gender equality in academic leadership in Pakistan and India.
