National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences Ordinance, 2000

This 2000 ordinance establishes the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (widely known as FAST-NUCES), a multi-campus university headquartered in Islamabad, built on the existing institutes of the Foundation for Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Section 3 makes the university a body corporate that can own property, and specifies it must follow directives issued by the founding Foundation in pursuit of its objectives, tying the university's governance closely to that Foundation.

Section 4 sets out the university's powers: providing instruction and research in computer science and emerging sciences and related fields, admitting and examining students, awarding degrees and diplomas, conferring honorary degrees, entering agreements with other institutions, and running hostels and residence halls. Section 5 requires the university to be open to all students regardless of sex, religion, race, creed, colour, or domicile. Section 6 requires that no degree be granted unless a student has passed an examination in Islamic and Pakistan Studies at the Bachelor's level (or Ethics and Pakistan Studies, for non-Muslim students who opt for that).

Section 7 lists the university's governing Authorities: the Academic Council, Advanced Studies and Research Board, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees, Finance and Planning Committee, and Selection Board. Section 9 makes the President of Pakistan the university's Patron, who presides at convocations and must confirm any honorary degree before it's conferred. Section 10 gives the Chancellor power to order inspections or inquiries into any aspect of the university's affairs — buildings, finances, teaching, research — and to direct the Board to act on the findings, with power to issue binding directions if the Board doesn't respond satisfactorily.

Section 11 provides for a Rector, appointed by the Chancellor on the Board of Trustees' recommendation for a four-year term, as an eminent scholar or educationist. Later provisions (in the schedule referenced in the contents) describe the Selection Board, which recommends candidates for teaching and other posts and must include outside subject experts for professorial appointments, and the Finance and Planning Committee, which prepares the university's annual budget and financial statements for the Board's review.