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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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			<title>HEC makes AI course mandatory for all degree programmes from 2026</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593492/hec-makes-ai-course-mandatory-for-all-degree-programmes-from-2026</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2593492/hec-makes-ai-course-mandatory-for-all-degree-programmes-from-2026#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 26 15:03:12 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[APP]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Every undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme will include a mandatory three-credit AI course, says the notice]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has issued a notification making a three-credit hour course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) mandatory for all undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes across the country from the 2026 academic session.

According to the HEC, the directive applies to all public and private sector higher education institutions. Universities have been instructed to incorporate the compulsory AI course into their curricula without delay.

The commission stated that every undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme will include a mandatory three-credit hour course on AI.

As per the details, the course may be offered as an elective subject, an interdisciplinary course&nbsp;or as a supporting subject within the existing programme structure.

The HEC emphasised that integrating AI into academic curricula is not merely an addition but a necessity in today&rsquo;s rapidly evolving world.

&ldquo;In the fast-changing landscape of the 21st century, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a revolutionary force,&rdquo; the commission said.

It added that the inclusion of AI education aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use AI tools in their respective fields, thereby enhancing their academic and professional capabilities.]]>
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			<title>English Linguistics Is Not Linguistics: why HEC postgraduate policy concerns?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2571894/english-linguistics-is-not-linguistics-why-hec-postgraduate-policy-concerns</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2571894/english-linguistics-is-not-linguistics-why-hec-postgraduate-policy-concerns#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 11 Oct 25 20:15:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Saqib Mahmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[T-Magazine]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[In an attempt to standardise English studies, the HEC’s recent policy has blurred essential disciplinary boundaries]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently issued new rules (2025) for MPhil and PhD programmes in English studies. According to the notification, universities are required to offer degrees solely under two titles: English Literature and English Linguistics. It is important to note that fields such as Applied Linguistics, TESOL, or English Language Studies have been relegated to the status of &ldquo;associated programmes&rdquo; when compared with HEC national curriculum (2017).

On paper, this notification aims to introduce standardisation. In practice, it reveals contradictions within Pakistan&rsquo;s higher education system &mdash; and demonstrates how easily different disciplines have been merged into a single category called &ldquo;English.&rdquo; If we compare this notification with the 2017 national curriculum, the new framework appears less clear and more confusing. The 2017 curriculum made a careful effort to distinguish degree titles. It approved MPhil and PhD programmes in Literature, Linguistics, and ELT, and offered separate schemes of study for each. This clarity not only reflected disciplinary distinctions but also aligned with international practices. Students, faculty, and employers could easily understand what each degree signified. By contrast, the current notification merges these distinctions into a narrower set of titles. The question remains: why reduce clarity at a time when disciplines are growing and global standards are so crucial?

The title &#39;English Linguistics&#39; is particularly problematic. By definition, it implies the study of only the English language. However, linguistics is the scientific examination of human language in all its forms. Applied Linguistics deals with English language teacher training, curriculum development, multilingual classrooms, and language policy. For a multilingual country like Pakistan, limiting the scope of linguistics to just English is not only restrictive but also a missed opportunity to meet urgent educational and social needs.

A look at the websites of most Pakistani higher education institutions clearly demonstrates that they are already offering MPhil degrees titled &#39;English Linguistics&#39;. These titles, while compliant with current policy, do not accurately reflect the discipline of linguistics as understood globally. Instead, they tend to mislead students and employers alike by implying a narrow focus on English rather than the broader study of language. This issue is not merely a matter of semantics. Degree titles influence how qualifications are perceived abroad. For example, employers in the UAE, China, Singapore, and across Europe frequently advertise for expertise in Applied Linguistics or TESOL. A Pakistani degree in English Linguistics may require explanation, or worse, may not be regarded as equivalent. For students seeking doctoral studies or international teaching opportunities, this can present significant barriers.

The compulsory courses highlight the same issue. For example, a title like Advanced Research Methods in English Studies makes sense for literary research, but not for linguistics, which requires different tools: phonetics, corpus design, statistics, and psycholinguistic methods. By forcing both fields into the single entity of &ldquo;English Studies,&rdquo; the framework risks obscuring rather than clarifying disciplinary identities.

Our academic publishing culture reflects the same tension. Many Pakistani journals combine &ldquo;literature and linguistics&rdquo; within a single scope. This appears to be a practical compromise, but it contrasts with international practice, where journals are discipline-specific: Applied Linguistics (Oxford), TESOL Quarterly, and Language Teaching Research focus on language. This difference underscores how our structures &mdash; in departments, curricula, and journals &mdash; often merge two fields that the rest of the world treats separately.

Globally, the pattern remains consistent. For example, universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, MIT, Toronto, Melbourne, and Singapore have independent departments of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics. Even in South Asia, Jawaharlal Nehru University in India and Dhaka University in Bangladesh follow this model. The term &ldquo;English Linguistics&rdquo; is seldom used. Instead, degree titles clearly indicate the disciplinary identity of the programme.

In Pakistan, the situation is mixed. Public universities like Quaid-i-Azam, Punjab, Karachi, and Peshawar remain largely focused on literature, with linguistics often limited to a few courses. However, the demand for linguistics and applied linguistics is increasing both locally and globally. Private institutions such as UCP, UMT, UOL, Riphah, Air University, and BNU (to name a few) now offer full-fledged MPhil and PhD programmes in linguistics or applied linguistics. Their research includes TESOL, discourse studies, and language policy &mdash; areas directly linked to both international practice and Pakistan&rsquo;s local needs. By not recognising these as independent titles, the new framework risks undermining the progress these universities have made so far.

HEC&rsquo;s concern for consistency is valid. Standardisation is important. However, it should not come at the expense of clarity or international recognition. A better balance can be realised by maintaining national consistency while recognising Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, and TESOL as valid postgraduate titles, alongside English Literature.

The 2017 curriculum moved towards clarity, but the current policy appears to have taken a step backwards. It is time to recognise that linguistics and applied linguistics are not merely subdivisions of English studies but independent disciplines. They warrant their own degree titles, dedicated research training, and separate departments.

As an applied linguist and TESOL practitioner, I see the notification not as a setback but as an opportunity. It should prompt us to think more clearly about how to differentiate literature from linguistics and how to allocate the appropriate academic space for each at postgraduate level. Our students deserve degree titles that genuinely reflect their training, our faculty deserve recognition for their expertise, and our universities need policies that support &mdash; not obscure &mdash; disciplinary identities. Until linguistics is separated from the shadow of English studies, Pakistan will continue to confuse its students and diminish its graduates&rsquo; international reputation. The rest of the world has already moved on. It is high time we do the same.]]>
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			<title>VCs lament financial plight of varsities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468929/vcs-lament-financial-plight-of-varsities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468929/vcs-lament-financial-plight-of-varsities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 May 24 21:00:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Khawar Randhawa]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[UAF observes ‘black day’, protest walk with faculty members]]>
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				<![CDATA[A vice chancellors&#39; committee has warned that the government&rsquo;s plan to cut the HEC budget to Rs25 billion for the year 2024-24 Rs65 billion allocated in the previous financial year will jeopardise the future of students, as the universities are already suffering a shortfall of Rs60 billion.

Chairing an online meeting, Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan expressed apprehension that the already financially strapped universities will not be able to survive if the federal government ceases to extend required funds.

The VCs of different universities said the provincial governments should contribute to the universities&rsquo; finances, but the federal authorities must also continue extending support to them. They said adequate budgetary allocation to higher education is a matter of national interest.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and Executive Director Dr Ziaul Qayyum said the commission would take up the issue with the finance ministry.

In response to severe budget cuts by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), and several other universities are observing a &quot;Black Day&quot; today, following a call from the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA).

The move comes after reports surfaced of a significant reduction in funding for higher education institutions in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget. The Vice Chancellors&#39; Committee, led by Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Committee and Vice Chancellor of UAF, convened an emergency online meeting to address the alarming situation.

During the meeting, attended by Vice Chancellors and Rectors from all public sector universities, concerns were raised about the adverse effects of the proposed budget cuts on the future of higher education in Pakistan.

Dr Iqrar Ahmed Khan stressed that slashing the HEC&#39;s recurring budget to Rs25 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, down from Rs65 billion in the previous year, would severely impact the functioning of universities already grappling with a Rs60 billion shortfall.

Dr Khan warned that such drastic measures could potentially lead to the closure of public sector universities, putting the educational aspirations of Pakistani youth in jeopardy. He urged the government to prioritise higher education as part of its &quot;Education Emergency&quot; initiative, emphasising the crucial role universities play in national development and integration.

Echoing Dr Khan&#39;s sentiments, vice chancellors from various universities emphasized the need for continued financial support from both federal and provincial governments.

They underscored that adequate budgetary allocation to higher education is essential for safeguarding the future of students and ensuring the smooth operation of universities.

Recognising the pivotal role played by the HEC in advancing higher education nationwide, university leaders condemned any attempt to undermine its effectiveness through budget cuts.

They emphasised that sustained financial assistance is imperative for the survival and growth of universities, as they strive to provide quality education and infrastructure to students across the country.

In response to the crisis, Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and Executive Director HEC Dr Ziaul Qayyum assured the university community that HEC would actively engage with the Finance Ministry to advocate for a reconsideration of the budgetary allocations.

Meanwhile, UAF administration has called for a protest walk, with faculty members from various departments rallying from the Department of Animal Husbandry to the Iqbal Auditorium, symbolizing solidarity against the proposed cuts. Additionally, all academic staff association members have been instructed to wear black ribbons on their arms as a mark of protest.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>HEC proposes new service structure for public universities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467857/hec-proposes-new-service-structure-for-public-universities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467857/hec-proposes-new-service-structure-for-public-universities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 24 20:47:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2467857</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA['Contributory Pension Fund' to be established and regular post of lecturers to be abolished to reduce expenditure]]>
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				<![CDATA[Financial issues have been plaguing the public higher education sector since as long as one can remember, with many universities consistently struggling to fulfil the payment of salaries, maintenance of administrative affairs, and upkeep of research and development activities. Now, in light of the recent imposition of an education emergency in the country, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has finally decided to review the failing service structure in place at public institutions in the province, proposing in the meanwhile crucial changes to the older pension and hiring policy.

The advisory committee, under the chairmanship of former Vice Chancellor of Haripur University and Consultant of HEC Islamabad, Dr Anwar Al Hasan Gilani, comprised of officers and vice-chancellors from several government universities, and during its discussion proposed on behalf of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a new service structure under which the &#39;Contributory Pension Fund&#39; was to be established and the regular post of lecturers was to be abolished in the hopes of reducing the superfluous expenditures overburdening the academic sector. The above proposals of the committee are being submitted to the HEC for approval in consultation with the Federal Finance Department, after which they will be handed over to the universities.

&quot;We are taking all such proposals to the Finance Division for final consultation, after which they will be sent to the Commission. As per a conservative estimate, public universities are currently spending about 40 per cent of the annual non-developmental grant of Rs65 billion on the payment of pensions. This is because they have not been able to set up their own contributory pension funds,&quot; revealed Chairman of the Federal Higher Education Commission, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed.

It is believed that the newly proposed &#39;Contributory Pension Fund&#39; will operate similar to the provident fund and its allocation will be deducted from the employees&#39; monthly salaries.

It should be noted that most of the country&#39;s universities, including those in Sindh, do not have a pension fund and these universities generally pay the pensions of thousands of employees from the non-developmental grant received through HEC. Even though, NED University has a pension fund of its own, which reduces the financial strain on the institution, other universities in Sindh, like the University of Karachi, and FUUAST have no such arrangements in place and are spending massive chunks of their monthly allocations on the payment of pensions, with the former dedicating Rs135 million, out of its Rs400 million grant on pensions and the latter directing Rs34 million out of its Rs200 million monthly non-developmental grant for the same.

Moreover, according to the recommendations of this committee, in order to further reduce the financial burden on public institutions, the regular teaching cadre in the universities will now start from assistant professor instead of lecturer and junior positions will be on a contract basis keeping the market situation in consideration. Moreover, teaching excellence will be judged on research output, teaching load, research grants and supervision of graduate students, and now senior faculty will also have to increase their contribution in terms of teaching load.

On a concluding note, Chairman HEC made it clear that the federal government was not stopping the provision of grants to provincial universities. &quot;We have asked the finance division for Rs125 billion for the 2024/25 annual budget, but there is no word yet on the amount to be sanctioned in the budget. The annual budget of public universities has not increased during the past six years, while the salaries have increased by 135 per cent,&quot; claimed Dr Ahmed, while speaking to the Express Tribune.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2024.]]>
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			<title>HEC raises alarm over management crisis at ICCBS</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466787/hec-raises-alarm-over-management-crisis-at-iccbs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2466787/hec-raises-alarm-over-management-crisis-at-iccbs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 24 19:03:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2466787</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sounds alarm over ICCBS crisis, urges immediate action and calls for executive board meeting]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor (VC) of Karachi University and expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in university&#39;s research institute, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS).

Acting Executive Director of HEC, Owais Ahmed, wrote that ICCBS is an institute which holds a prestigious position not only in Pakistan but also in the Muslim world, and for whose success HEC has devoted a substantial amount of financing in terms of its development and research grants over the past two decades but recent events have raised serious concerns regarding management, administrative protocols and overall status of the centre in the letter. Reports of mismanagement, governance breakdowns, financial irregularities, audit observations and widespread criticism paint a disturbing tale of internal chaos, operational inefficiencies and management disarray. These issues are not only tarnishing reputation of the prestigious center but also adversely affecting the name and fame of academic community at large.

The letter also expressed deep disappointment that HEC was not formally informed about the last Executive Board meeting held on May 06, 2024, nor was it the recipient of the email dated May 13, 2024. Deliberately not informing the HEC of such matters is not only disturbing but also casts doubt on intentions of the management. Moreover, the circular resolution email as well as the date of issuance of office order is same i.e. 13 May 2024, and the minutes of the last meeting of the executive board have not been released yet.

Furthermore, according to Section 4(b) of ICCBS rules, the Executive Board has the authority to make appointments of the Director ICCBS based on recommendations of Selection Board, and there is no provision in the rules for appointment of the Acting Director. In view of this, HEC does not endorse illegal notification of appointment of the Director, ICCBS and recommends that a meeting of Executive Board be convened at the earliest to discuss all such issues including post of Regular Director so that the previously published advertisement could be withdrawn.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2024.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>109 companies to meet over 9,000 candidates</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2465750/109-companies-to-meet-over-9000-candidates</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2465750/109-companies-to-meet-over-9000-candidates#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 24 20:03:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Ayesha Khan Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2465750</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh HEC chair calls for educational reforms in view of declining CSS standards]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) is gearing up to host a groundbreaking job fair in the metropolitan city, set to connect 109 companies with over 9,000 students seeking career opportunities.

While addressing a press conference at the Sindh HEC headquarters on Wednesday, Chairman Tariq Rafi disclosed that 109 companies from various sectors will participate in the daylong job fair named &quot;Career Connect 2024&quot;, slated for May 9 at the Expo Centre. Over 9,000 students are expected to turn up to seek internships and job openings offered by corporate entities and multinational firms.

Rafi stressed that the main objective of the job fair is to strengthen the link between academia and industry. The event will facilitate direct interactions between students and industry representatives, allowing students to submit their CVs and engage in interviews on-site, he added.

With the collaboration of Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Vice Chancellor of the Karachi University (KU), students from universities across Sindh will receive temporary accommodation in the hostels on campus.

Discussing the issue of university faculty salaries, Rafi clarified that while universities in Sindh receive funds from the federal government and an allocation of Rs35 billion from the provincial government, they are expected to manage their expenses within their budgets. To ensure transparency, an independent audit from a third party, particularly from the &quot;A category&quot; of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), is planned for giving grants to public universities.

Rafi also revealed that both private and public universities are undergoing inspections, with the final ranking expected to be compiled by September. Moreover, the HEC has launched a scholarship program for PhD and MPhil students to enhance the education system in Sindh.

The job fair will not only facilitate job opportunities but also provide a platform for students to showcase their projects at the Expo Centre. This initiative aims to attract potential investors and foster collaboration between academia and industries. The partnership with the chamber of commerce further extends the reach of employment opportunities for students.

While expressing concern over the declining standards of the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, Rafi underlined the need for educational reforms. Despite a large number of participants, the pass percentage was only 2.96%, indicating the necessity for improvement.

Dr Noman Ahsan, Director General of the Sindh HEC, spoke about the significance of the job far, stressing its focus on job opportunities rather than self-promotion. The event, scheduled from 9.30am to 5.30pm, aims to secure 1,500 jobs, with each university overseeing its own points system.

Ahsan also acknowledged the disparity in opportunities between urban and rural students, noting efforts to bridge this gap through training sessions and capacity-building programs. Sindh HEC Secretary Moin Siddiqui, emphasised the importance of training programs to enhance the education system, particularly through initiatives like the National Education Policy Act (NEPA).

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>HEC slammed for suspending varsities funds</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463467/hec-slammed-for-suspending-varsities-funds</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2463467/hec-slammed-for-suspending-varsities-funds#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 21 Apr 24 21:03:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2463467</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC slammed for suspending varsities funds]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, Acting Vice Chancellor of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL), has raised concerns over reports of the federal Higher Education Commission&#39;s (HEC) decision to withhold funds for provincial universities in the upcoming financial year.

Dr Memon stressed that the suspension of annual funding by the HEC would have serious repercussions for universities across the province, including BBSUL. He stressed the importance of continued financial support for universities and called for a resolution on funding matters by the Council of Common Interest.

Speaking at the university&#39;s second convocation held at Bara Dari, the acting VC announced the awarding of certificates to 477 students and Nishan-e-Sipas to 75 students for their outstanding academic performance.

Expressing gratitude to the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Memon acknowledged their past financial support, including grants totaling Rs6 million three years ago, followed by Rs14 million and Rs23 million in subsequent years, announced by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Regarding the challenges faced by BBSUL during the Covid-19 pandemic, the acting VC highlighted the transition to online classes and the subsequent loss of practical sessions. Despite these hurdles, the university has managed to mitigate the impact on students&#39; education.

Dr Memon underscored the need for a bailout package to address the dilapidated infrastructure of the university, particularly the computer science and IT departments. He appealed for the restoration of halted funding to prevent further deterioration of essential facilities.

The acting VC underlined the importance of appointing a permanent VC to ensure the effective administration of BBSUL. He urged the relevant authorities to start the process of selecting a permanent VC through official channels.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Hostage to rankings</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459069/hostage-to-rankings</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2459069/hostage-to-rankings#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 24 19:45:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Hamid Zaman]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[The fact that HEC relies on outside rankings to steer our scholars to particular institutions is deeply troubling]]>
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				<![CDATA[Reducing a complex, multi-faceted academic institution to a single number on a list has become increasingly fashionable. Rankings, done through subjective and opaque criteria, by newspapers, magazines and other organisations that, at best, have a superficial understanding of academic institutions and their operations are used by students and their parents to decide serious academic journeys. There is both ample research and sound arguments by education experts that point to a long list of fundamental flaws in rankings including how these rankings are often a beauty pageant of perception, how universities can manipulate their own statistics to go up on the ladder, and how student well-being, support and experience is disregarded in the criteria. It is no surprise that several universities have now decided that they will no longer share the data with newspapers and magazines that produce the rankings.

While the engagement of prospective students and their parents is often discussed in various opinion pieces, the reliance of rankings by scholarship giving agencies is something I had not known, or fully appreciated. This distressing realisation came last week. 

I learned from a visiting scholar that HEC scholarships in several categories (e.g. their US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor scholarships) can only be availed if one is admitted to universities ranked highly on a particular list. I went to the HEC website and confirmed this aspect of the eligibility criteria. The young scholar, who relayed his story, was interested in studying water systems with a focus on our region. However, the best programme for that particular field of study was at a university that fell just outside the arbitrary cut-off of the rankings, and hence he had to go to another university. He had to settle for something that was neither well suited for his interests, nor rigorous in its approach, simply because a ranking agency that knew nothing about programmes that had focused on our region said so. 

When we reduce universities or even departments to a simple number on a list, we make many flawed assumptions. Among them is the assumption of uniformity and rejection of sub-specialties. For example, by giving a single score to a department, we assume that a highly ranked department of biomedical engineering (my area of research) would be excellent in biomaterials, synthetic biology, neuro-engineering, biomechanics and other domains of the discipline. Unfortunately, that assumption is as flawed as it is na&iuml;ve. Anyone who is a faculty member in biomedical engineering would tell you that. There are dozens of departments in the country that excel in one area and may have no faculty in other areas of the field. A highly ranked department may not have any expertise in a particular sub-specialty, whereas a relatively lower ranked department may be the best place in the world in a particular sub-field. Similarly, there is no reason to assume that a highly ranked history department would be excellent in American history, eastern European history and Islamic history. Then there is this assumption that good departments, or good programmes, occur only in highly ranked universities. Once again, that argument would collapse at even the slightest scrutiny.

The fact that HEC relies on outside rankings to steer our scholars to particular institutions is deeply troubling. On the one end, it relies on lazy and flawed assumptions. On the other, it underscores its own inability to judge a programme and its merits. Most importantly, it deprives scholars to be in places that provide them with the intellectual environment best suited for their academic interests. 

Pakistan needs scholars who are well-trained, think deeply and are able to create new knowledge through rigorous scholarship. Such scholarly pursuits require freedom, independence and trust. HEC funds for scholarship are negligible to begin with. They should not be held hostage to arbitrary criteria by an outside agency that has made university rankings its most profitable cash crop. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March 12th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>HEC told to align MPhil, PhD synopsis with Islamic teachings</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456958/hec-told-to-align-mphil-phd-synopsis-with-islamic-teachings</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2456958/hec-told-to-align-mphil-phd-synopsis-with-islamic-teachings#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 Feb 24 18:32:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir from Balochistan tabled the resolution in the 335th session of the Senate]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution advising the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to align the MPhil and PhD synopsis with the teachings of Islam based on logic, reason, and science.

Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir from Balochistan tabled the resolution in the 335th session of the Senate.

Reading out the motion loud before the house, he clarified that the word syllabus in the motion referred to synopsis and topics for research.

Read also:&nbsp;HEC issues stringent affiliation policy

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi did not oppose the motion.

The resolution stated: &ldquo;The Senate recommends the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to develop guidelines for all the universities of Pakistan to update the syllabus of their MPhil and PhD programmes and align it with modern scientific requirements.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>Essay competition held for polio awareness</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454039/essay-competition-held-for-polio-awareness</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2454039/essay-competition-held-for-polio-awareness#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Jan 24 07:44:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2454039</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Theme of competition is, &quot;Role of students, parents, and teachers in eradicating polio&quot;]]>
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				<![CDATA[Commissioner &nbsp;Shaheed Benazirabad &nbsp;Division and Secondary &nbsp;and Higher Secondary Education Board Chairman, Syed Muhammad Sajjad &nbsp;Haider, highlighted the significance of eradicating the life threatening polio virus, particularly concerning children&rsquo;s health in Pakistan. The education board is taking proactive measures to spread the awareness by organising essay writing competitions in Sindhi, Urdu, and English &nbsp;languages.

The theme of&nbsp;the competition is, &quot;Role &nbsp;of students, parents, and &nbsp;teachers in eradicating polio.&quot; The competition&nbsp;aims to enlighten students and teachers about the importance of their role &nbsp;in the ongoing efforts to &nbsp;eliminate the virus. The board has communicated to all participating schools, advising them to collect handwritten essays from students on the designated topic and submit.]]>
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			<title>ICCBS entangled in power game</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453314/iccbs-entangled-in-power-game</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453314/iccbs-entangled-in-power-game#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jan 24 07:54:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453314</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Donor interference in administrative matters has undermined the reputation of the national research institute]]>
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				<![CDATA[Harmonious coordination between all relevant stakeholders is key to the healthy functioning and stable progress of any educational institution however, for the University of Karachi&rsquo;s International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), the surfacing of internal dissent coupled with external interference in administrative matters has greatly hampered the repute and credibility of the renowned emblem of scientific scholarship.

Even though the five decades old institution has established a distinguished position for itself in the scientific world in terms of research, in recent times the unnecessary and unconstitutional interference of donors in the administrative activities and managerial appointments of the ICCBS has disrupted its smooth functioning.

According to sources of The Express Tribune, the crux of the matter concerned the recent appointment of the Director of the ICCBS, which was designated to a senior female professor against the wishes of the faculty, which had been rooting instead for the previous director and therefore started colluding against the new director with the help of the institute&rsquo;s donors.

Read&nbsp;The abysmal state of Pindi&rsquo;s education system

Apparently, the dispute began when two faculty members who were considered very close to the former Director were asked by the current administration for details on an ongoing research project on cancer diagnosis, worth more than 200 million rupees. Instead of providing the details to the institution, they sent a complaint letter to the HEC through an email trying to convey the message that under the present Director the institution was at risk of collapsing and required immediate intervention.

&ldquo;Some faculty members had issues with my appointment as Director therefore they started conniving against me with the donors and even involved the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the matter, which was a breach of protocol,&rdquo; confirmed Dr Farzana Shaheen, Acting Director of the IBCC. Upon being probed on the donors&rsquo; objections on her poor performance as Acting Director, Dr Farzana shed light on the unprecedented progress that had been made in the center following her contentious appointment.

Read&nbsp;HEC issues stringent affiliation policy

&ldquo;If my performance is to be judged, then it is worthy of mentioning that for the first time in 20 years our MPhil and PhD students have submitted a total of 41 research theses during the last 3 months, out of which 35 have been through viva voce. Furthermore, we have also contributed significantly towards the upgradation of the cafeteria and hostels,&rdquo; she claimed, further adding that two donors had filed a letter against her
appointment.

The two donors are Nadra Panjwani, chairperson of Dr. Nadra Panjwani Memorial Trust, and Aziz Latif Jamal, chairman of Hussain Ibrahim Jamal
Foundation, who had termed the extension of Dr. Farzana Shaheen&rsquo;s tenure as Director ICCBS detrimental to the institution and had taken a position in their letter that Dr. Farzana Shaheen&rsquo;s tenure was marred by conflicts and mismanagement issues due to personal animosities among the administration and faculty. The same letter also restated the suggestion that Dr Shaheen ought to be dismissed from the post and another senior faculty member
should be appointed in her place.

In this regard, when the Express Tribune contacted Nadira Panjwani, ICCBS&rsquo;s Executive Board member and author of the complaint letter she said, &ldquo;This is our internal matter therefore, it cannot be discussed.&rdquo; Furthermore, an attempt was made to contact Aziz Jamal, another member of the Executive Board and co-author of the letter, but the messages and calls were not answered]]>
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			<title>HEC issues stringent affiliation policy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453001/hec-issues-stringent-affiliation-policy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2453001/hec-issues-stringent-affiliation-policy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jan 24 05:01:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2453001</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sindh officials describe the policy as impractical]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC), the country&#39;s higher education regulator, has introduced a more rigorous affiliation policy for government and private colleges associated with government universities and degree-awarding institutions nationwide.

As outlined in the Affiliation Policy 2024, no university or degree-awarding institution can affiliate public or private colleges without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the HEC.

Furthermore, previously affiliated colleges will be subjected to desk reviews by the HEC to maintain their affiliation. Universities are required to input the necessary information for their existing affiliated colleges on the HEC portal.

Failure to comply with the new policy will lead to non-attestation of degrees by the HEC. Additionally, disciplinary action will be taken against universities violating affiliation policies. The policy notification is signed by HEC Executive Director Zia Ul-Qayyum.

An education officer from the Sindh government criticized the policy, calling it impractical.&nbsp; &quot;This policy may result in government colleges shutting down, leaving students at home,&quot; he remarked.

He expressed frustration that such policies are created and circulated based on online reviews, disregarding ground realities. He added that the HEC warns of potential non-verification of students&#39; degrees if the policy is not implemented.

Read&nbsp;FUUAST, HEC embroiled in controversy

Last year, on February 23, 2023, the HEC had prohibited public sector universities from granting new affiliations to colleges. Approximately 10 months later, this new and stringent policy has been announced.

The notification introduces an online portal (https://edustats.hec.gov.pk/) to ensure the implementation of the HEC Affiliation Policy 2024. Universities are required to enter essential information about their new and existing affiliated colleges on this portal, which will then be reviewed by the HEC Review Desk.

Failure to comply with the new policy could result in severe disciplinary measures, including a ban on affiliating colleges. Degrees or documents of students enrolled in violation of HEC policies will not be recognized/attested by the HEC, and all responsibilities will fall on the respective universities.

The policy draft also specifies that no university can affiliate a new programme to colleges unless the programme has been operational in that university for at least five years.

Although the affiliation committees of universities now include representation from federal and provincial HECs, the vice-chancellor of a government university in Sindh expressed difficulty in implementing the new policy. &quot;There are several aspects in this policy draft conflicting with the universities&#39; own acts, making its implementation quite challenging,&quot; he stated.]]>
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			<title>Academia-industry gap</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452492/academia-industry-gap</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2452492/academia-industry-gap#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Jan 24 19:27:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
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			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan encounters challenges in aligning with international copyright standards]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC), Professor Dr SM Tariq Rafi has highlighted the HEC&rsquo;s initiatives to bridge the academia-business gap to prevent talent loss from universities and secure their products through Intellectual Property (IP) Rights. Pakistan encounters challenges in aligning with international copyright standards. Consequently, there is a pressing need for legislation to tackle issues related to IP rights in academia and research.

Despite a yearly influx of graduates across various professions and fields, Pakistan grapples with the persistent challenge of rising unemployment. A key contributor to this issue is the lack of industry-academia linkage. A notable gap exists between the skills demanded by industries and the knowledge and expertise possessed by fresh graduates, resulting in a lag in innovation and research in the country. Bridging the industry-academia gap and securing IP rights can facilitate a better exchange of knowledge and expertise. Collaboration with industries has the potential to drive research that is not only more relevant but also applicable to real-world problems. Such partnerships offer students practical experience, equipping them with skills directly applicable to the industry. This, in turn, enhances their employability and aids in a smoother transition into the workforce.

Industry partnerships create opportunities for the commercialisation of academic research. This process can lead to the development of new products, technologies or services that prove beneficial for both academia and industry. Overall, fostering collaboration and securing IP rights stand as essential steps towards addressing the existing gaps and fostering a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship between academia and industry. These steps should not be confined to specific universities or provinces; instead, they should be implemented nationwide. Pakistan&rsquo;s academia needs to align with the dynamics of the constantly evolving world, creating an environment that nurtures growth and development.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>Mother State</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451757/mother-state</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2451757/mother-state#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 31 Dec 23 18:59:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[HR Ahmad]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2451757</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan seems to be unable to provide basic health, education to all her children of republic]]>
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				<![CDATA[Mother State of Pakistan seems to be unable to provide basic health and education to all her children of the republic. Thus, the responsibility has been shifted to wealth-owning citizens of Pakistan. A new history popcorned in Phase II of Pakistan in the form of commercialisation of health and education, making the society more asymmetrical. Thus, the children&rsquo;s performance in the school became dependent on their parents&rsquo; income. The pillars of this asymmetrical society are based on: 1) Infant malnutrition; 2) Consanguinity; and 3) Poverty. This fact is evidenced by poor health indices of Pakistan in terms of infant mortality rate, under-five years mortality rate, maternal mortality, birth rate, death rate, population growth rate, life expectancy and human development index. Application of partial differential equations would show further disparity between rural and urban and within the compartments of this society.
The questions are to be posed as to how the Ministries of Health and Education could be activated and energised with the support of HEC and PMDC to study the bank of contraindications being collected over the period of 75 years of Pakistan within two phases: Phase I &lsquo;1947 &ndash; 1970&rsquo; and Phase II &lsquo;1980 &ndash; 2023&rsquo;.
Extraordinary events in Pakistan have generated contradictions in abundance. Institutes of Contradictions should be established to study and analyse contradictions to open the door to the synthesis-based solutions for public health and education paradigms&rsquo; shift against the challenges of elite capture, war activity and ripples of globalisation in the form of marketing import technology.

The Ministry of Health and PMDC could design a new public health system covering both rural and urban areas. MBBS should be of six years&rsquo; duration, including house job training. It means the final examination should be after absolving the house job training in both rural and urban settings throughout the four provinces. This design might be an extra benefit in reducing the high load of consanguinity. GP system of erstwhile Part I Pakistan should be reintroduced to stress upon prevention of disease. This would be useful for children and senior citizens, especially with a vector on the physician home visit. Each public hospital should have a network of a GP System as a screening clinic for referral to the hospital.

The Public Health System under the surveillance of the Ministry of Health should consider both political and biological treatment of disease. The health indices of Pakistan should be the mirror of good surveillance of public health in Pakistan as proposed by Zaki Hasan in Challenges of Public Health in Pakistan.

The Ministry of Education and HEC could design a new public education system covering both rural and urban areas to make children&rsquo;s performance in schools independent of parents&rsquo; income to be on a par with nation states of the world. Currently, we are divided and adapted to Elite-Public School System with primarily a job-seeking curriculum instead of conceiving a civil society to enjoy remaining human being and only this. Good higher education should be based on egalitarian primary education to be able to unfold the creative energy of children as seeds of a nation becoming human capital for the Mother State. The Programme Project Research should be focused on indigenous questions and indigenous resources to nurture natural and social scientists to conceive a civil society to achieve a secular democratic nation state, finally enabling a Union of South Asia.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1st, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>FUUAST, HEC embroiled in controversy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450477/fuuast-hec-embroiled-in-controversy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450477/fuuast-hec-embroiled-in-controversy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Dec 23 20:58:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2450477</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Public varsity called out a recent report by commission for its apparent misrepresentation of facts, numbers]]>
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				<![CDATA[Two contrasting reports, regarding the selection process of academic staff, have recently put the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST) at loggerheads; and both institutions have asserted that their respective version is the truth. 

The HEC had recently put out a report casting doubt over the appointment process of teachers at FUUAST and had highlighted other discrepancies at the university. Now, in response, through a separate report, in a meeting chaired by the Chancellor of FUUAST, President Dr Arif Alvi, the public varsity has accused HEC of misrepresenting figures of student enrollment, total number of teaching staff hired, and the number of teachers appointed under the Selection Board of 2021. 

&quot;The data and facts presented to the HEC by our university have been tampered with. Major discrepancies have been noted in their investigation process. For instance, their investigation committee has erroneously included candidates who were issued employment offers but did not join the university, among the teaching faculty. Furthermore, most of their conclusions on enrollment are based on data from the Karachi campus only, forgetting that the Islamabad campus exists as well,&quot; challenged a senior professor at FUUAST.

According to the response report by FUUAST, the HEC not only presented wrong figures regarding enrollment and number of teachers at the university, but also misrepresented the number of students and teachers at the individual Karachi and Islamabad campuses, which include 14,442 students and 263 teachers in Karachi and 4,103 students and 98 teachers in Islamabad.

In response to the HEC&#39;s misrepresentation of numbers, former Vice Chancellor of FUUAST and penman of the response report, Dr Muhammad Ziauddin said, &quot;we had shared the complete data on enrolment and teaching staff with the HEC team, but despite this, the data given by us was not included in the report.&quot; 

Read&nbsp;HEC chief seeks funding from provinces

The HEC report had stated that there were selection boards of many departments in which only one subject specialist instead of two participated. In response to this objection, the university report alleged that the HEC had tried to mislead the authorities because the quorum consisted of four members of the selection committee, in which the participation of two members was not mandatory and only one subject specialist was enough. 

Furthermore, the HEC inquiry team in its report had also claimed that the selection committee did not give some candidates adequate time to speak. &quot;The time given to candidates during the interview depends on their skill level. If the candidate knows the answers to basic questions, then the board does not ask them additional questions,&quot; retorted Dr A.Q Mughal, Member of the Selection Board, in response to the claim. Moreover, the HEC in its report had recommended to cancel the selection results of 2021; however, FUUAST refused to consider the sudden objection from the HEC terming it illegal to raise objections on the selection process after more than a year has passed.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on FUUAST&#39;s accusations of misrepresentation, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said, &quot;those who come under scrutiny for their wrongdoings are known to elicit similar responses. Now, it is time for us to take tough decisions regarding this university.&quot;

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>HEC organises workshop for varsity professionals</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450287/hec-organises-workshop-for-varsity-professionals</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450287/hec-organises-workshop-for-varsity-professionals#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 17 Dec 23 07:19:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2450287</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Three-day training programme drew professionals from Sindh, Punjab, KPK]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC) organised the 1st National Certified Reviewers ( NCR ) Programme for professionals from the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) belonging to public and private sector universities across Pakistan from December 11 to 13 at the International Centre of Chemical and Biological Sciences ( ICCBS ), University of Karachi.

The three-day training programme drew professionals from Sindh, Punjab and KPK, demonstrating Sindh HEC&#39;s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange on a national scale. The distinguished panel of trainers for the programme included Dr Mohammad Abdul Wahid Usmani, Director QEC JSMU; Air Commodore Mohammad Ismail, Former Consultant Quality Assurance HEC Pakistan; Dr Anca Prisacariu, International Expert on Quality Assurance from the University of Bucharest, Romania and Imranullah Khan Marwat, Director Quality Assurance, Higher Education Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Secretary Sindh HEC, Moinuddin Siddiqui, mentioned the challenges that have been overcome since the establishment of Sindh HEC in 2013. Acknowledging the pivotal role of Chairperson Sindh HEC, Prof. Dr. S.M Tariq Rafi, Siddiqui expressed his gratitude for his active support in approving projects, training, and other initiatives.]]>
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			<title>HEC chief seeks funding from provinces</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450145/hec-chief-seeks-funding-from-provinces</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2450145/hec-chief-seeks-funding-from-provinces#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Dec 23 20:36:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Zaigham Naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2450145</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hints at shunning ‘subpar’ programmes offered at varsities]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has emphasised that resolving the challenges faced by universities in the country requires not only federal funding but also contributions from provincial governments.

In an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune, he highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in education, stating that programmes at universities failing to provide excellent education will be shut down.

&ldquo;A strategy is being implemented to allow universities, both public and private, that excel in providing quality education to open campuses in foreign countries.&rdquo;

He said British leadership is expected to visit Pakistan in April 2024 to discuss agreements on opening campuses of British universities in Pakistan and vice versa with Pakistani universities in the UK.

Similar agreements are also being explored with other countries, Dr Mukhtar said.

To address financial issues, he called on provincial governments, including Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Kashmir, to provide funds to universities. 

He expressed gratitude for Sindh&#39;s significant financial support to its universities and stressed the need for 100% provision of standard and quality education in higher education institutions.

Read&nbsp;Education is a weapon that can change the world: CM

&ldquo;Despite HEC&#39;s budget remaining unchanged since 2018, efforts are being made to strengthen the education system.&rdquo; Dr Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the resolution of internal issues, the promotion of higher education, and the initiation of training processes. The chairman underscored the importance of focusing on administrative and financial problem-solving within universities.

&ldquo;The problems of universities related to undergraduate and graduate policy have been resolved, and now the training process has started. We are moving towards an affiliation policy, online education policy, artificial intelligence and systems approach.&rdquo;

He said an exemption is given from mandatory NOC for new projects and major steps taken by universities, and autonomy is being given to them.

&ldquo;To finalise the affiliation policy, a meeting of vice-chancellors is being called.&rdquo;

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2023.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Islamabad hostel students protest eviction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449049/islamabad-hostel-students-protest-eviction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2449049/islamabad-hostel-students-protest-eviction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 23 20:20:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2449049</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[IHC asks HEC chairperson to redress grievances]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A large number of university students on Tuesday protested outside the Islamabad demanding of their universities and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to resolve their accommodation problem.

Tens of thousands of students were evicted from privately-run hospitals after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) sealed many premises over &lsquo;non-conforming use&rsquo;. It meant that they were operating as a commercial enterprise without authorisation.

According to a public interest petition filed on behalf of the students in the Islamabad High Court, this policy of the CDA had left around 30,000 students on verge of eviction.

The petition pointed out that under section 4(xxiii) of the Federal Universities Act and other laws, the universities are bound to create sufficient student accomodation on campus and also to &ldquo;approve or license&rdquo; hostels and lodgings existing in the city.

Read Teachers protest over unpaid salaries

Unfortunately, it noted, only five out of the 35 universities which have cropped up in Islamabad over the last two decades have taken any such steps. &ldquo;As a result, students are compelled to reside in privately-managed student hostels located in the CDA sectors,&rdquo; it added.

It said CDA issued non-conforming notices to over 70 hostels in November.

Many students had to spend the night on the street after at least two hostels were shut down late in the evening without proper warning, according to the hostel owner.

The petition, meanwhile, pointed out that HEC has a statutory mandate to protect the interests of students including their accomodation matters, &ldquo;but has so far failed to intervene in this crisis&rdquo;.

At the premilimary hearing, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued directions for the HEC chairman to give a hearing to the students and redress their grievances.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Missing persons panel to hold more delibrations</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447834/missing-persons-panel-to-hold-more-delibrations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447834/missing-persons-panel-to-hold-more-delibrations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Nov 23 04:47:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2447834</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC to issue guidelines on Baloch students, IHC told]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A ministerial committee formed on the issue of enforced disappearance of Baloch students said in a report on Thursday that the Missing Persons Cell at the interior ministry would submit its report in the next committee meeting.

The federal government had formed a committee, comprising interior minister, defence minister and the law minister. The commission had recommended that the missing persons should be recovered and produced before the courts.

In a report to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the case of implementation of the recommendations of the commission for the recovery of the missing Baloch students, the committee said that its first meeting was held on November 20 and that further steps would be taken after consultation.

According to the report, the National Security Division would take measures to implement the relevant provisions of the National Security Policy and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) would issue policy guidelines with the support of the provincial government.

Read more IHC demands return of 55 students

Under the HEC policy guidelines steps would be taken to prevent the passing of personal information about the Baloch students to other institutions. Besides, the report added that the HEC would provide friendly environment to all students, irrespective of provincial or regional basis.

The report was submitted a day after the IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani ordered the government to recover 55 missing students from Balochistan within seven days, while hearing a petition filed by human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari.

The court has noted that if the order was not complied with, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar along with the caretaker ministers and secretaries for interior and defence would appear in the court in person on November 29.]]>
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			<title>Sindh HEC holds workshops on rankings</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447568/sindh-hec-holds-workshops-on-rankings</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2447568/sindh-hec-holds-workshops-on-rankings#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Nov 23 20:55:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2447568</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Workshops at ICCBS draw over a hundred QEC officials]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) recently organised two workshops on Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking which are global performance tables that assess the universities against the UN&rsquo;s Sustainable Development Goals.

In his welcome address, Sindh HEC Chairman Prof Dr Tariq Rafi highlighted the importance of the THE Impact Ranking in fostering positive change through education and research. 

Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) QEC Director Dr Muhammad Abdul Wahid Usmani said while speaking on the occasion, &ldquo;Out of the 72 Pakistani universities who got a spot in Impact Ranking in 2023, there were only 16 universities from the province of Sindh. We are expecting a large number of universities in Sindh to be ranked in 2024 Impact ranking.&rdquo; 

The workshops, held at Karachi University&rsquo;s International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), were attended by more than hundred Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) officials from public and private sector universities in Sindh. 

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22nd, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Need for solution-based research highlighted</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2446654/need-for-solution-based-research-highlighted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2446654/need-for-solution-based-research-highlighted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Nov 23 20:10:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2446654</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC chairman highlights the need for character-building among students]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has emphasised the need for solution-based research in academia. He stressed that although researchers in Pakistan are publishing several papers annually, the country&rsquo;s indigenous problems remain the same. He also highlighted the need for character-building of students along with their academic and professional training.

Read&nbsp;BISE jacks up examination fees

Dr Mukhtar expressed these views while addressing the opening ceremony of the Second International Moot of Sciences organised by Rawalpindi Women&rsquo;s University.The HEC chairman also inaugurated the central laboratory of research at the university. The chief organiser elaborated the purpose of the multi-disciplinary conference.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>18 candidates vying for HEC slot</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444040/18-candidates-vying-for-hec-slot</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2444040/18-candidates-vying-for-hec-slot#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Oct 23 19:31:14 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zaigham.naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2444040</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources added that the post was advertised five times]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A total of 18 candidates will be vying for the post of executive director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), with the interviews scheduled today (Wednesday).

Sources added that the post was advertised five times. However, the interviews were not completed and the appointment was made on an ad hoc basis. Last month, the Islamabad High Court terminated the appointment of Dr Shaista Sohail as acting executive director.

Following that, a new round of interviews was planned with the process likely to be completed this time with the interviews and the selection of the new executive director.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar will chair the selection board in which education department secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry as well as the secretary of the science and technology departments and other members will participate.

Sources within the department said that the former vice chancellor of the Allama Iqbal Open University, Dr Ziaul Qayyum, was the frontrunner for the post.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Interviews for top HEC slot from November 1</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2443663/interviews-for-top-hec-slot-from-november-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2443663/interviews-for-top-hec-slot-from-november-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 23 20:05:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zaigham.naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2443663</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Key member likely to cut short foreign visit to attend meeting]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[To fill out the vacancy of Higher Education Commission (HEC)&rsquo;s executive director &ndash; a post which has been lying vacant for a long time &ndash; the section board will conduct interviews on November 1 [Wednesday].

Secretary of the Ministry of Education, who is a key member of the selection board, is out of the country but there are reports of his visit being cut short to attend the board meeting.

According to details, the post of HEC executive director has been lying vacant for a very long time. However, last month, the Islamabad High Court removed the acting executive director and issued instructions for the appointment of a permanent ED.

According to sources, the interviews for the appointment of the executive director were scheduled on November 1 and the education secretary will attend the selection board by shortening his scheduled visit of one week.

The sources have said that regarding the selection board, the members objected that since the major amendments in the Higher Education Commission Act have been approved by the parliament and the standing committees, such a major appointment should not be implemented at this moment.

Reliable sources have claimed that a dispute may arise between the commission and the education ministry over a potential candidate.

Even earlier, the education secretary had objected to the board that it was necessary to obtain permission from the ECP regarding any appointment in the supervisory setup. Later, the HEC chairman sought permission from the EPC to conduct the interviews, which was granted.

According to sources, the most favourite candidate for the post of executive director is former vice chancellor Dr Ziaul Qayyum. 

During a conversation with The Express Tribune, Education Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry clarified that he would attend the board meeting. &ldquo;It was our earlier objection that since the president did not sign the Act, the matter would have to be looked into under the old Act until the next assembly was formed. However, it was decided in the commission&rsquo;s meeting that since the vacancy has been advertised, interviews should be conducted now to find a suitable candidate, otherwise a new selection board should be established by re-advertising,&rdquo; he explained.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>HEC, Afghan delegates discuss joint initiatives</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2441827/hec-afghan-delegates-discuss-joint-initiatives</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2441827/hec-afghan-delegates-discuss-joint-initiatives#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Oct 23 20:27:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2441827</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The two sides discussed issues of mutual academic interest]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A delegation of senior officials from Afghanistan called on Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed at the HEC Secretariat on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed issues of mutual academic interest, including joint research programmes, student and faculty exchange efforts, training of Afghan faculty and civil servants, and scholarships for Afghan students to study in top Pakistani universities.

Also read:&nbsp;65 startups to pitch ideas to experts at HEC

The Afghan delegation was led by Dr Nazar Muhammad Irfan, Director of Foreign Affairs and Scholarships, Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan. Chancellor of the Afghan International Islamic University Kabul, Dr Rafiullah Ata, along with two Deans, Abdul Hai Kaiwaan, Faculty of Engineering, and Nisar Ahmed Zahid, Faculty of Agriculture, were also part of the delegation.

From the HEC side, Director General (Scholarships Division) Aayesha Ikram and Project Director Jehanzeb Khan attended the meeting.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed briefed the delegation about HEC&rsquo;s core functions.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2023.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>65 startups to pitch ideas to experts at HEC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2433074/65-startups-to-pitch-ideas-to-experts-at-hec</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2433074/65-startups-to-pitch-ideas-to-experts-at-hec#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Aug 23 00:19:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2433074</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[ISF had initially received 205 concept notes against the available funding slots]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A two-day startups&rsquo; pitching competition under &lsquo;Innovator Seed Fund&rsquo; (ISF) programme kicked off at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the federal capital, where around 65 startups are set to pitch their innovative business ideas in front of the jury comprising a variety of industry and business experts.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed graced the occasion as chief guest at the opening ceremony. 

ISF had initially received 205 concept notes against the available funding slots. The received concept notes were from different thematic areas such as agriculture, transportation, logistics, housing, e-commerce, digital media, construction, food resources etc.

Of the total received concept notes, 175 were shortlisted and were given pitching training. Furthermore, 65 startups were shortlisted for pitching competition before the final award ceremony for 30 winner startups which is scheduled for September 1, 2023, at Pak-China Centre, Islamabad.

The grant winners will receive up to Rs10 million (equivalent to $35,000) in seed funding in addition to support through BICs in the form of entrepreneurial training, legal training and support, financial education, business development service provision and investment readiness training.

Last year 15 ISF projects were awarded while this year 30 ISF projects will be awarded in various key thematic areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>Not the country Quaid envisioned: Anoushey criticises HEC's ban on Holi celebrations in universities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2423047/not-the-country-quaid-envisioned-anoushey-criticises-hecs-ban-on-holi-celebrations-in-universities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2423047/not-the-country-quaid-envisioned-anoushey-criticises-hecs-ban-on-holi-celebrations-in-universities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jun 23 11:31:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Entertainment Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gossip]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2423047</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The ban came after videos from Quaid-e-Azam University's Holi celebration went viral]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a recent turn of events, Anoushey Ashraf took to her Instagram Stories to share how disappointed she is by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan&#39;s decision to ban Holi celebrations in universities. The ban came after videos from Quaid-e-Azam University&#39;s Holi celebration went viral, sparking controversy and debate on social media.

Ashraf, known for her outspoken nature and advocacy for social issues, did not hold back in her criticism of the HEC&#39;s decision. In her Instagram note, she lamented the lack of tolerance, celebration of all faiths, progress, and acceptance in Pakistan. She further questioned why the authorities were focusing on banning cultural celebrations instead of addressing the quality of education being imparted to students.


Distancing herself from those in power, she wrote, &quot;So done with the people running the system, I wouldn&#39;t want to be counted amongst them. I don&#39;t identify as them, and I truly have zero respect for them. Unfortunately, Pakistan&#39;s their playground now.&rdquo;&nbsp;She added that the country is a far cry from the vision of Pakistan&#39;s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

&ldquo;The disappointment is real. It&rsquo;s not the country Quaid envisioned. Ones who can get out, I guess it&#39;s okay to be a 2nd-grade&nbsp;citizen somewhere else than an oppressed, 3rd class citizen with no rights in your own country,&rdquo; she concluded, referring to people desperately trying to flee the country for a better quality of life.

Ashraf&#39;s post shed light on the disappointment many individuals who aspire to see a more inclusive and diverse Pakistan feel. The HEC&#39;s decision to ban Holi celebrations in universities is&nbsp;a shock to many. While the intention behind the ban may have been to prevent any potential conflicts or controversies. It has, nevertheless, sparked a wider discussion on the importance of embracing diversity.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>VCs oppose ordinance to clip HEC’s autonomy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2399294/vcs-oppose-ordinance-to-clip-hecs-autonomy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2399294/vcs-oppose-ordinance-to-clip-hecs-autonomy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 03 Feb 23 20:46:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zaigham.naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2399294</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Say move will reverse progress made in higher education sector]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Vice-chancellors of all public sector universities have urged the government to revive the HEC Ordinance 2002 in its original form to ensure the autonomy of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

According to a statement, the university heads adopted the stance that the progress made in the past two decades in the higher education sector can be consolidated only by strengthening the higher education body.

The revised ordinance takes back authority of making appointments of executive directors from the federal education ministry.

During the 48th Vice-Chancellors Committee meeting, chaired by Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan, the participants unanimously opposed the proposed amendments to said ordinance and demanded the government to ensure HEC&rsquo;s autonomy if it wants the higher education sector to continue playing its part in economic stability and growth.

Other amendments include the delegation of powers of the controlling authority from the PM to the ministry concerned and drastic revision in composition and reduction in the size of the commission, etc.

They said the amendments, if materialised, will cause a severe dent in the higher education sector and will be tantamount to undoing the progress made so far.

The university heads also discussed the financial, governance and administrative issues of the higher education institutions.

They demanded of the provincial governments to share the burden of the federal government and contribute to the universities&rsquo; funding.

HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed also joined the online session and briefed the VCs on the recent developments on the TTS and BPS models, HEC&rsquo;s quality assurance measures, and the repercussions of amendments to the HEC ordinance. He emphasised the need for strengthening national institutions and referred to various countries that are setting up higher education entities on the HEC model.

Referring to the financial crisis, the chairman asserted that no new universities or campuses should be established unless there is economic stability in the country. He urged the VCs to ensure good financial and administrative governance at higher education institutions.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed underlined that the universities need to strengthen themselves in such a manner that they are approached by the quarters concerned to play the role of think tanks in policymaking at the state level.

&ldquo;Our youth have great potential, however, we need to work on imparting essential skills to them in line with the needs of the national and global job markets.&rdquo;

The HEC chief criticised the policy of giving affiliations to colleges, saying the HEC will soon ban affiliations as they compromise on quality due to anomalies.

He also sought input from the varsity heads on resolving the issues arising from the TTS and BPS models.

Dr Mukhtar informed the VCs that HEC is planning to set up &lsquo;Seerat Corners&rsquo; in the libraries of universities to promote the teachings of the Holy Prophet PBHU.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4th, 2023.]]>
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			<title>VCs against new HEC payments draft</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2393349/vcs-against-new-hec-payments-draft</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2393349/vcs-against-new-hec-payments-draft#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 22 21:11:44 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2393349</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[VCs were addressing participants of 7th Treasurers Conference (Hybrid) of public sector universities of Pakistan]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[University of Agriculture Faisalabad Vice Chancellor and Chairman Vice Chancellors Committee of Pakistan Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan has expressed concern over the new HEC draft regarding the receipt and payment procedure of federal government Higher Education Institutions (HEI&rsquo;s). The financial autonomy of the Higher Education Institutions should not be compromised, as it is granted to enable research and development in HEI&rsquo;s and Universities, they stated.

The VCs were addressing participants of 7th Treasurers Conference (Hybrid) of public sector universities of Pakistan, under the auspices of Universities Treasurers Forum (UTF) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad.

He was of the view that with the introduction of the aforementioned receipt and payment procedure, research and development will collapse, which had been strengthened after years of effort.

VC UAF urged the need for removal of bottlenecks of Assan assignment accounts so that it can be operated efficiently by allowing the HEI&rsquo;s to manage their accounts as per previous practice.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC announces 75 national top talent scholarships</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2392570/hec-announces-75-national-top-talent-scholarships</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2392570/hec-announces-75-national-top-talent-scholarships#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 22 20:58:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[app]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2392570</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Regulatory body invites applications for fresh PhD programmes]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced 75 National Top Talent Scholarships Programme for Pakistani students to take admission to MS and PhD studies abroad.

According to official sources, on the auspicious occasion of National Celebrations of 75th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan, the Government of Pakistan announced 40 PhD and 35 MS scholarships for Pakistani and Azad Kashmir nationals to study in the world&#39;s 25 top-ranked universities (QS or Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings only).

According to the sources, the scholarships will be awarded on the provision of proof of confirmed admission in desired universities and selected subjects only. Meanwhile, as per eligibility criteria, the applicant must be a Pakistani/Azad Kashmir national. The candidates must have a confirmed/unconditional admission/enrolment in any of the world&#39;s 25 top-ranked universities (QS/THE) in selected subjects. 

They must have a minimum qualification for MS Scholarships: BS/BE/Master&#39;s or equivalent to 16 years of education in relevant fields of study, while for PhD Scholarships: MS/MPhil/ME or equivalent to 18 years of education in relevant fields of study. Maximum one 2nd Division throughout the academic career prior to the final degree, it added.

The candidates must have a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 &amp; 3.75 out of 5.0 in the semester system or 1 Division (in the annual system) in the terminal degree. 

The maximum age on the closing date should be 40 years for full-time regular faculty members of public sector universities/degree awarding institutions/colleges and employees of public sector organisations while 35 years for all others. 

The candidates must not be availing any other scholarship. 

The applicants are required to submit an online application via HEC e-portal. 

It is worth mentioning here the scholarships will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. The candidates are required to fulfil the requirement of the host university to secure admission which may include international GRE, TOEFL, etc. 

They are advised to appear in these tests. Conditional admission/enrolment will not be considered. In case any information is found misrepresented/ incorrect at any stage, the application process will be terminated. 

The awardee will have to execute a bond with HEC to serve for a period of three years (for MS scholarship) and five years (for PhD scholarship) immediately after completion of his/her studies. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC advises students to check recognised universities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390963/hec-advises-students-to-check-recognised-universities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2390963/hec-advises-students-to-check-recognised-universities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Dec 22 19:45:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2390963</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Regulator body says list of recognised universities available online]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has asked students seeking admission to higher educational institutions in the country to only choose HEC&#39;s recognised institutions.

According to HEC&#39;s official sources, it is informed to the students, parents and the public that the HEC has been empowered, by virtue of its 2022 Ordinance under which institutions, including those that are not part of the state educational system, may be opened and operated across the country. Therefore, HEC, in exercising its delegated powers, recognises degrees from accredited universities, institutions in the public and private sector of Pakistan and degrees from their approved campuses, including Transnational Educational Institutions imparting foreign qualification in Pakistan as mentioned on HEC website on the web links.

Further, a separate list of fake, illegal, unlawful and unrecognised institutions is also being maintained at the web link. In the larger interest of the public and forthcoming admission season, students and their parents are cautioned to verify the legal status of the university/institution, its campus and transnational education provider from the above-mentioned links before seeking admission. Further, the status of affiliated colleges can be verified by respective public sector universities/institutions and HEC. The students are strictly advised not to take admissions
in those Institutions which are not listed on the HEC website in the recognised
list of Universities/ Institutions/Campus(es).

Degrees obtained from unrecognised institutions, campuses will not be recognised by HEC. The students and parents are cautioned not to get admission to the universities/DAIs whose admissions are banned due to various irregularities as mentioned on the HEC website.

Oxford Pakistan Window

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has stressed the need for setting up a &lsquo;Pakistan Window&rsquo; at the University of Oxford and an &lsquo;Oxford University Window&rsquo; at HEC to facilitate the Pakistani students and researchers for availing different opportunities and programmes at the University of Oxford.

He was talking to a delegation of the University of Oxford and Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) during their visit to HEC Secretariat.

The delegation called on Dr Ahmed and senior HEC management and discussed ways to address the issue of Pakistan&rsquo;s under-representation at the University of Oxford. Welcoming the delegates, Dr Ahmed shed light on the profile and objectives of HEC. He assured the delegation of HEC&rsquo;s support in increasing access of Pakistani students
and scholars to the University of Oxford. He said HEC will facilitate institution-to-institution collaboration in academic and research areas. 

He stressed the need for joint efforts to enhance the number of Pakistani scholars in Oxford, where only 22 Pakistani students have been granted scholarships for higher studies. He highlighted the achievements of the Pakistan-UK Education Gateway and urged for the commencement of other practical measures including sponsorship for the mobility of students and scholars.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC chief indicts provinces over illegal varsities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380575/hec-chief-indicts-provinces-over-illegal-varsities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380575/hec-chief-indicts-provinces-over-illegal-varsities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 22 20:50:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2380575</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says provinces compromising quality education by allowing private universities to thrive]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad has said that provinces were compromising the quality of education by allowing private universities to thrive without meeting the set criteria and legal formalities.

Talking to the media here, he said that by establishing these new institutions, the provinces were not only failing to fulfil the council formalities but also compromising the regulations set by the HEC for the establishment of new universities.

Sources said that illegal universities and their sub-campuses continue to grow across the country following the devolution of education and the establishment of provincial higher education bodies.

The sources said that the practice of teaching unauthorised programmes and the illegal up gradation of colleges to universities and their sub-campuses has reached its peak in the country in the last few years. According to the sources, in a short span, various provincial assemblies have approved charters of over 15 new private universities.

&ldquo;Today, the higher education sector has a lower budget than in 2017-18. At a time, when large public sector universities are facing salary shortages, the provincial governments are also failing to provide financial grants to the institutions approved by them,&rdquo; the HEC chief said.

According to him, &ldquo;currently only one per cent of the total GDP is allocated for the education sector, therefore, in such situation, the federal government cannot ensure the supply of funds to provincial chartered universities&rdquo;. &ldquo;There are some universities in the provinces whose records are not available even with HEC and Baba Gurunanak University is also one of them,&rdquo; he added.

Dr Mukhtar reiterated his commitment to taking stringent measures for improving the quality of education in universities while taking all stakeholders on board.

He said that since the establishment of the HEC, &ldquo;we have achieved many goals while many challenges are ahead to do more for the higher education sector of Pakistan&rdquo;. He said that all relevant stakeholders had been taken on board to review the previous performance and deficiencies in HEC policies. Talking about quality education, he said that &quot;we will set the HEC direction and would formulate policies that would work for our future generations.&quot; Dr Mukhtar vowed to set goals for the HEC that would be achieved by 2050.

The frustrating step for HEC all along has been the establishment of sub-campuses by public-sector and private universities without getting a no-objection certificate.

Under the rules, a NOC from HEC is required to establish a degree-awarding institute. Upon receiving the request, HEC sends a team to the campus to check whether the institute fulfills criteria vis-&agrave;-vis faculty, laboratories and other requirements.

According to sources, the HEC has been issuing public notices in the newspapers, warning parents and students against taking admission at unapproved varsities but a number of institutes are flouting rules and churning out &lsquo;graduates&rsquo; without the HEC&rsquo;s approval.

According to the sources, most of the unapproved campuses are situated in Sindh, especially in Karachi and Punjab. A few illegal campuses are also functioning in the federal capital. &ldquo;Punjab and Khyber-Paktunkhwa governments have shown keen interest in taking action against such HEIs, while Sindh and Balochistan have taken no action,&rdquo; the sources said.

Meanwhile, during an interactive session of Afghan students studying in Pakistan under Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the importance of hard work and encouraged them to complete their education and serve Afghanistan. 

He acknowledged the issues students were facing and said that &ldquo;HEC&rsquo;s doors are always open for you, not just today but even after you graduate as you will be our alumni.&rdquo;

As many as 40 students representing a total of 3,000 Afghan students currently studying in Pakistan attended the session to share their experiences and discuss the issues they were facing on the academic front.

Terming the students as the future of Pak-Afghan ties, the HEC chairman said: &ldquo;We appreciate the commitment and resilience of the Afghan nation in the face of adverse circumstances, and we hope that the Afghan youth will play the role of change agents in the society.&rdquo;

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC chief for promoting research at varsities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380332/hec-chief-for-promoting-research-at-varsities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2380332/hec-chief-for-promoting-research-at-varsities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 22 20:27:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2380332</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says there is no shortage of resources in Pakistan, only their proper usage is needed]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) Chairman Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said on Wednesday that creating new knowledge along with education and training was the prime responsibility of universities. 

He was addressing via online the closing ceremony of a two-day national conference on the theme of &#39;Role of Universities in National Development and Stability&#39; organised by Punjab University Institute of Education and Research (PU-IER).

Dr Mukhtar said that such research should be promoted in the universities which would bring political and economic stability in the country. He said that teachers and Imams were the persons who could create a civilized society. 

He said that teachers should recognize their place and become role models for students, asserting that there was no shortage of resources in Pakistan, only their proper usage was needed. 

He said that organizing the best conference in PU IER on International Teacher&#39;s Day was appreciable.

Punjab HEC Chairman Prof Dr Shahid Munir said that the dream of development could never be fulfilled without education. 

He cited that Malaysia spends 25%&nbsp;of its GDP on education and research. 

He added that the research work was being done in many universities to solve water shortage. He said that Pakistan&#39;s universities should promote research culture according to the new trends. He said that climate change also had the most impact in Asian countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>In a first, two female officers shortlisted to spearhead BISE Pindi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2379618/in-a-first-two-female-officers-shortlisted-to-spearhead-bise-pindi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2379618/in-a-first-two-female-officers-shortlisted-to-spearhead-bise-pindi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Oct 22 19:03:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2379618</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Punjab HEC will appoint the chairman next week]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[For the first time, the names of two senior female education officers have been included in the list of three shortlisted candidates for the position of the new chairman of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi.

A high-powered committee conducted interviews of 24 senior officers of scale 19 and 20 for the chairmanship and finalised three names before sending them to Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi. After the approval of the chief minister, the Punjab Higher Education Commission will issue a notification for the appointment of the chairman next week.

The names of three shortlisted education officers, who are performing their duties as professors and principals in scale 20, include Professor Adnan Khan, Principal Dr Fariha Nighat and Dr Shamim Akhtar. According to sources, among these three names, Professor Adnan Khan is being declared as the most favourite, but the final decision will be taken by the chief minister.

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC fee deferment for students of flood-hit areas</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2378596/hec-fee-deferment-for-students-of-flood-hit-areas</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2378596/hec-fee-deferment-for-students-of-flood-hit-areas#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 25 Sep 22 19:59:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2378596</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC chairman says plan being chalked out for compensating varsities in flood-hit areas]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has announced that the students from flood-affected areas, enrolled at public and private universities, would get fee deferral for two semesters until they recover and stand on their feet.

Dr Ahmed said all public and private universities were working to facilitate people in the flood-hit areas, adding that veterinary universities had also been directed to support livestock in these devastated areas. &ldquo;We are also working out a proper plan for compensating the universities in the flood-hit areas.&rdquo;

The HEC chairman said, &ldquo;Since technology and education are interlinked, we have to opt for policy to promote technology in the education sector of the country. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea of smart classrooms and technology did help in continuing the educational process sans any pause.&rdquo;

He went on to say that in the coming years, due to the revolution in the IT sector, we will not have a formal need for buildings, and rather phones will be sufficient for acquiring and disseminating education. The future education will be online and there would be lab practices through virtual simulations.

&ldquo;We will adopt optimum world practices to ensure quality education through online and latest technology, and around 10 to 15%&nbsp;budget allocation is mandatory for each university for the distance education system, which will be increased to 50 per cent after some time with a proper plan and consultation of all private and public universities,&rdquo; he claimed.

Dr Ahmed said the HEC had also launched programmes related to artificial intelligence and cyber security in many universities, including the Air University, NUST, and the UET, while other universities would also get these programmes soon. He underlined the need for promoting skills education across the country, terming it more valued than simple educational degrees. He further said that skills education was playing important role in the development of the country.

Underscoring the biggest problem of awarding affiliation to colleges, the HEC chairman pointed out that universities had awarded affiliation to around 5,000 colleges so far across the country. &quot;Such numbers of affiliations means compromising the quality of education,&quot; he added. &quot;A policy has been formulated to properly monitor the performance of affiliated colleges through inspection,&quot; he said, adding that affiliation of the poor-performing colleges would be cancelled.

The HEC chairman said cooperation with international universities was increasing and a Japanese delegation was coming to Pakistan next month for cooperation in the IT sector. &quot;Under MOUs with international universities, our students will study in the world&rsquo;s top-ranked universities,&quot; he added. He further added that the HEC had a new department of global engagement, directly mandated for international collaboration to facilitate the students. &ldquo;We have suggested the foreign countries to allow our institutions to open their campuses in their states,&rdquo; he said.

Dr Ahmed pointed out that there were no modern institutions in far-flung areas of the country, and stressed the need for establishing such type of universities for the uplift of these areas. Highlighting key issues in the higher education sector, he said, &quot;We can significantly improve our educational institutions ranking by improving the quality and management in educational institutions and discouraging politics and grouping.

Replying to a question, the HEC chairman said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Plagiarism is a mindset and a kind of theft under which one steals the thoughts or writings of others and claims them as one&#39;s own. The HEC has worked out a mechanism for blacklisting the individuals involved in this wrong practice. Under the new policy, the fake complainant will also be blacklisted.&quot;

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>ISRA varsity banned from offering admissions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2373013/isra-varsity-banned-from-offering-admissions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2373013/isra-varsity-banned-from-offering-admissions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 22 19:58:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zaigham.naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2373013</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission issues alert for students]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has banned ISRA University from offering new admissions in all three campuses after internal (administrative) issues brought the whole affairs of the university to a standstill.

&ldquo;In order to protect the future of students, admissions in all disciplines in ISRA University have been stopped from Fall 2022. This will include all admissions including medical colleges, in the principal seat in Hyderabad as well as Karachi and Islamabad till the resolution of the ongoing crisis,&rdquo; said an alert issued by the HEC.

The regulatory body has also warned the ISRA University of the cancellation of its no-objection certificate (NOC) if it failed to resolve issues within one month.

Sources said that on Wednesday, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed held a meeting with ISRA University Vice-Chancellor Dr Nazir Ashraf Laghari and members of the Qazi family, who have allegedly occupied the Karachi and Islamabad campuses of the university.

After listening to both sides, the HEC chairman placed a bar on admissions in all three campuses of ISRA University in Hyderabad, Karachi and Islamabad, the sources said adding that he also issued a warning to cancel the NOC of the university if it failed to resolve the issue within a month.

According to the sources, ISRA University Vice-Chancellor Dr Nazir Ashraf Laghari has accused the Qazi family of violating the charter of the university by getting the university degrees printed from a private publisher and handing them over to the students. Laghari has also accused the Qazi family of illegally occupying properties of the university.

After listening to both parties, the HEC chairman has banned ISRA University from offering new admissions for the fall semester, 2022. The HEC has informed the students about the new development by issuing an alert.

Earlier, the HEC had barred affiliated colleges from offering MPhil and PhD degrees. Colleges affiliated with public and private universities had been barred from offering admissions to MPhil and PhD programmes. 

The HEC had said that it will not certify MPhil and PhD degrees of the affiliated colleges and institutions.

It had issued the student alert on admissions to colleges affiliated with universities. 

The HEC had made it clear that admissions to MPhil and PhD in public and private colleges would be illegal and students should avoid seeking admissions to such colleges. 

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Varsities barred from offering clinical degrees sans permission</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369563/varsities-barred-from-offering-clinical-degrees-sans-permission</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2369563/varsities-barred-from-offering-clinical-degrees-sans-permission#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 22 20:18:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2369563</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC asks universities to stop programmes involving clinical applications]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has warned universities not to offer undergraduate degree programmes involving clinical applications without prior permission from the regulatory body.

&ldquo;The HEC has noted with grave concern that some universities, without consultation of relevant professional bodies and the HEC, have launched diplomas and degree programmes in disciplines involving clinical applications including but not limited to dermatology, dermal sciences, aesthetics, cosmetology, radiology, ophthalmology, anaesthesia, cardiology, hemodialysis and neuro-physiology at the undergraduate level,&rdquo; it said in a press release issued here on Thursday.

&ldquo;For grant of permission for the launch of programmes with clinical application, the universities will be required to submit proof of provision of in-scope diploma/degree programme in their act/charter, statutory approval for the launch of the in-scope programme, report of the market survey conducted for respective programme, details of consultations made with stakeholders, particularly the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC), eligibility criteria of the programme, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme, detail of faculty, clinical prospects of practice after graduation and potential avenues for further education,&rdquo; it said.

&ldquo;As far as the bachelor of medicine and surgery programme is concerned, it has been noted that some misunderstanding prevails in academic circles and among students pertaining to the practice of surgery. The issue was also taken up by the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination. Upon its directives, and in view of doing away with situations leading to ambiguity and confusion for the students, their parents and employers, the HEC has revised the programme title as &lsquo;Bachelor of Eastern Medicine,&rdquo; it said.

The HEC has revised the programme &ldquo;Bachelor of Eastern Medicine and Surgery&rdquo; to &ldquo;Bachelor of Eastern Medicine&rdquo; by removing the term &lsquo;surgery&rsquo; due to concerns of its misuse,&rdquo; the regulatory body said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Degrees awarded by unrecognised varsities are not valid: PHC</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363141/degrees-awarded-by-unrecognised-varsities-are-not-valid-phc</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2363141/degrees-awarded-by-unrecognised-varsities-are-not-valid-phc#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 22 15:47:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2363141</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Court dismisses Swabi university acting registrar’s petition seeking to verify his BBA degree]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In a landmark judgement, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) held on Friday that degrees conferred by universities that are not recognised by Higher Education Commission (HEC) cannot be termed as &lsquo;valid&rsquo;.

The decision was announced by a two-member bench comprising Justice Musarat Hilali and Justice Ibrahim on writ petition filed by Muzammil Khan Advocate on behalf of Naveed Anjum, Acting Registrar of University of Swabi.

Barrister Syed Saad Ali Shah and Mansoor Advocate represented Higher Education Commission and University of Swabi.

The petitioner had approached the court for endorsement/re- verification of his BBA degree awarded by the Orient University.

The petitioner had contended that he had completed his bachelors from the Orient University, and later, on its strength obtained MBA and MS degrees from the Institute of Management Sciences and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi and Islamabad campuses, respectively.

&ldquo;Due to his experience and high qualification, he was appointed as acting registrar. However, on complaint, he was directed to verify his antecedents... his BBA degree obtained from Orient University was not verified by the Higher Education Commission.,&rdquo; read the petition.

The main question before the court was whether a degree obtained from a university not recognised by the HEC could be termed valid.

Also read: No deferment of 4-year, 2-year degrees: HEC

Answering the question, the court ruled that under Section 10 of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, the commission had the power to recognise or affiliate any university according to law and rules. However, Orient University had not been recognised, therefore the degree was neither permissible nor allowable and even could not be termed justifiable.

The PHC said in the verdict that an educational institution not fulfilling the prescribed criteria laid down by the HEC could not issue degrees and issuance of such degrees were neither valid nor worth credence.

The judgment also declared that the court could not interfere with policy matters of the HEC, which had got the sole powers to regulate the status of an education institution.

{{pdf}}]]>
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			<title>PM rubbishes reports of HEC budget cut</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359238/pm-rubbishes-reports-of-hec-budget-cut</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2359238/pm-rubbishes-reports-of-hec-budget-cut#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 22 20:34:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2359238</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Slash of funds in last four years negatively impacted higher education, says Shehbaz]]>
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				<![CDATA[Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz-led federal government will make no reduction in the budget of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the next fiscal year 2022-23.

The premier&rsquo;s clarification comes after vice-chancellors of public sector universities expressed concern over the government&rsquo;s proposed budget of only Rs30 billion for higher education&rsquo;s recurring grant against the rationalised demand of Rs104.983bn

The prime minister said that he has directed the ministry of planning and the ministry of finance to follow the instructions while preparing the next year&rsquo;s federal budget. He said that the decision has been taken to avoid the closure of several university programmes and to ensure smooth continuity of international higher education agreements.

The prime minister also directed to reinvigorate the HEC on the pattern it was functioning during the previous government of the PML-N. He said the cuts in the budget of HEC during around the four-year tenure of the previous government had put a negative impact on higher education, that needed to be reversed.

Prime Minister Sharif stressed the need to focus on the revival of educational projects at universities across the country. The prime minister urged a significant increase in the resources of the HEC and the provision of necessary facilities to the faculty and students.

Reacting to the proposed cut in the HEC budget, over 120 heads of public sector universities, who attended a virtual meeting from across the country had urged the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and others to urgently look into the matter.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>50% decrease in HEC budget sets alarm bells ringing</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2358570/50-decrease-in-hec-budget-sets-alarm-bells-ringing</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2358570/50-decrease-in-hec-budget-sets-alarm-bells-ringing#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 May 22 07:21:30 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2358570</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Minister says no such plan under consideration]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Higher Education Commission Executive Director Dr Shaista Sohail has written a letter to the federal education secretary amid reports of a 50 per cent cut in the funding for public universities.

In the letter, the HEC director urged the government to revise its decision. It added that according to official reports, it was being said that the government would allocate a mere Rs30 billion to the education commission against the demand of Rs104 billion.

The HEC director said the proposal for the grant of over Rs100 billion was shared with the government in light of its growing needs. Currently, there were 100 public universities, 18 universities were being established whereas 49 institutes were being funded by the HEC.

In a reference to the previous budget of Rs66.25 billion, the HEC director said that the budget allocated by the government could only meet 28 per cent of needs of the higher education and the rest of the funding was managed by the commission itself in addition to the funds provided by the provincial governments.

It reminded that the Rs15 billion grant announced by the government had not been provided to the HEC despite multiple reminders and added that the budget currently being planned for financial year 2022-23 would not be enough to meet the needs of the commission and, if not reviewed, it would adversely impact the youth along with an increase in unemployment.

The letter also revealed that the university grants range since 2016 were &ldquo;0% to 0.14% of the country&#39;s GDP&rdquo;. It added that along with an increase in the salaries of teachers and pensions, it was difficult for the HEC to meet its needs embroiling the public higher education into a worse financial crisis.

In a letter to BUITEMS, the education commission barred the provincial universities from paying house rent ceilings to their employees since the facility was only available to the employees of the federal universities.

Read VCs are appointed under pressure, claims HEC chief

The decision was taken in the &ldquo;wake of irregularities observed on the payment of inadmissible allowances, perks and privileges during the external audit of public sector universities&rdquo;.

Apart from the other recommendations of the sub-committee, House Rent Ceiling/Requisitions was declared as inadmissible to the employees of the provincially chartered universities as per the government&#39;s &#39;Accommodation Allocation Rules 2022&#39;, according to which it is only admissible to employees serving in basic pay scales in the federal government, the letter added.

&ldquo;During the budgetary assessment of universities for 2022-23, which was carried out jointly with the finance ministry in Feb-March 22 at ICT and all provincial headquarters, it was observed with great concern that few of the provincially chartered universities are also paying house rent ceilings to their employees,&rdquo; it added.

It asked the university administrations to stop the allowances since it was not for provincially chartered institutes. &quot;However, they are all entitled to the house rent allowance 45 per cent in metropolitan and 30 per cent in other cities as revised by the respective provincial governments from time to time,&rdquo; it added.

Meanwhile, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Friday said that despite the worst economic crisis in the country, the government would not reduce budget of the HEC in the upcoming fiscal year.

Chairing a meeting to review the HEC matters, the minister said the government was allocating more funds than what the HEC demanded.

(With additional input from APP)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>UHS researcher wins Rs21.5m HEC grant</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357983/uhs-researcher-wins-rs215m-hec-grant</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357983/uhs-researcher-wins-rs215m-hec-grant#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 May 22 19:56:00 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2357983</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Funding is approved under Local Challenge Fund initiative of HEC]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved a grant of Rs21.5 million for a research project of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) on early-stage screening of patients with colorectal cancer.

The principal investigator of the research is the immunology department&rsquo;s head, Dr Shah Jahan. 

This is the sixth research funding won by the stalwart researcher.

The title of the research project is &ldquo;Fecal microbiota profiling and molecular biomarkers for colorectal cancer screening at an early stage: A way towards the non-invasive, cost-effective, and accurate CRC screening assay for local patients&rdquo;.

The funding has been approved under the Local Challenge Fund initiative of the HEC with the support of the World Bank. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal tumour, affecting 1.36 million people with about 65,000 deaths per year worldwide and ranked as the fourth leading cause of death in Pakistan.

From benign to malignant, it follows a long stepwise progression. CRC remains asymptomatic in the early stage and spreads sporadically in most cases. Environmental factors play a leading role in the sporadic spread. The death rate can be reduced significantly if detected early.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>HEC starts textbook writing support programme</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357410/hec-starts-textbook-writing-support-programme</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2357410/hec-starts-textbook-writing-support-programme#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 22 21:29:18 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2357410</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Plan aims to provide opportunity to university teachers to enhance their writing skills]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has embarked on the Textbook Writing Support Programme (TWSP) to enhance the competitiveness in research and development and to create a strong team of authors in the country by broadening the authorship cadre.

According to official sources, potential authors having at least three years of consecutive experience in teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level in HEC recognised public and private sector universities and institutes are eligible for the particular course.

The authors may write on diverse and selected topics as per the HEC approved curricula in new emerging fields such as information technology, robotics, biotechnology as well as basic sciences, social sciences, management sciences, behavioural sciences, arts and humanities, agriculture, engineering and health sciences.

Meanwhile, the interested authors who meet the eligibility criteria may get their textbooks published directly from Taylor &amp; Francis, McGraw Hill, Pearson, and Oxford University Press. 

The Sources said that the HEC will get the review of the textbook from a panel of experts. On the recommendation of reviewers, the HEC will offer Rs1 million for a written textbook f master&#39;s and doctorate level and Rs0.8 million for a bachelor&#39;s level textbook.

The HEC will continue to receive the published textbooks with required documents from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The details are also available on the HEC website.

The TWSP aims to provide an opportunity to the faculty members working in HEC recognized public and private sector universities and degree awarding institutes to enhance their writing skills.

Under the programme, faculty members are extended financial assistance for the writing of their research in the shape of textbooks for undergraduate and graduate levels. 

The main objective of the TWSP is to promote the production of high-quality textbooks in physical as well as digital forms, by national authors for use as recommended or required reading in undergraduate or graduate-level courses.

In addition, the ancillary objectives will also be achieved including developing a world-class academic publishing industry in Pakistan, with a special focus on the textbook publishing industry.

The program will bring the work of national scholars to international attention and develop a high standard of quality control in academic publishing and popularize them among students as well as faculty members. 

Another objective is to provide necessary facilitation to local authors to establish effective networks with the publishing partners for textbook development and publishing.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>IHC expects PM will stop aide from meddling in HEC affairs</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2348221/ihc-expects-pm-will-stop-aide-from-meddling-in-hec-affairs</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2348221/ihc-expects-pm-will-stop-aide-from-meddling-in-hec-affairs#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Mar 22 07:10:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Hasnaat Malik]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2348221</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says important for PM to dispel impression HEC chief was removed to stop audit of institutions under aide's patronage]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Islamabad High Court (IHC), in its detailed judgment regarding restoring Dr Tariq Banuri as chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC), has expected that Prime Minister Imran Khan will restrain the chairman of PM&rsquo;s Task Force on Science and Technology, Dr Attaur Rehman, from interfering in HEC&#39;s affairs.

&ldquo;We expect that the Controlling Authority i.e. the worthy prime minister will ensure that the HEC undertakes an independent, transparent and fair audit and evaluation of the institutes/centres wherein the chairman [of] PM&rsquo;s Task Force has an interest and which have received substantial funding from the public exchequer,&rdquo; IHC CJ Athar Minallah said in a 21-page verdict on Wednesday.

The high court said it was important for the premier to &ldquo;demonstrably dispel any perception to the effect that the impugned notifications may have been issued to avoid implementation of the policy of the HEC to conduct a transparent and independent audit and evaluation&rdquo;.

It said Dr Rehman&rsquo;s role was &ldquo;significant&rdquo; in the process of the removal of Banuri &ndash; later reinstated &ndash; as the HEC chief. &ldquo;It has become obvious from the record that he appears to have been affected by the policies of the HEC and the resistance is affirmed from the correspondence. The factor of conflict of interest should have been taken into consideration by the policy-making executive authorities.&rdquo;

The court also said that the HEC had formulated a policy regarding audit and scrutiny relating to performance evaluation of those institutions which had received public funds. &ldquo;Among the institutions that had received major funding included those of which the Chairman PM&rsquo;s Task Force (Dr Rehman) was a patron e.g. the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences.&rdquo;

&ldquo;The record placed before us shows that substantial funding from the exchequer, almost Rs40 billion, was received by the entities wherein the chairman [of] PM&rsquo;s Task Force had an interest,&rdquo; the IHC said, adding that it also appeared from the record that the latter and the defunct chairperson were at loggerheads over the stated policy.

Read VCs are appointed under pressure, claims HEC chief

It said Dr Rehman also resisted the performance evaluation and audit by the HEC.

&ldquo;The &lsquo;Controlling Authority&rsquo; under the HEC Ordinance suggested that the institutions be exempted from scrutiny and evaluation audit.&rdquo;

The IHC observed that Dr Rehman apparently instead of offering the institutions for an audit by the HEC attempted to defend and justify the performance of the institutions in which he had an interest through publishing articles in daily newspapers authored by him.

&ldquo;The record manifests his pivotal role in the deliberations and proposals, which had ultimately led to the issuance of the impugned notifications and removal of the defunct chairperson. The question of conflict of interest, thus, is crucial for adjudication of the petition,&rdquo; the IHC ruling added.

The court also maintained that the First Amendment Ordinance was promulgated and notified in the official gazette on March 26, 2021, and the impugned notification declaring that the defunct chairperson had ceased to hold office was issued the same day.

However, it was withdrawn and a fresh purported notification, dated April 5, 2021, was issued. &ldquo;The issuing authority appears to have realized that the language of the First Amendment Ordinance did not apply retrospectively and would not affect the security of tenure of the defunct chairperson.&rdquo;

&ldquo;However, the Second Amendment Ordinance was notified in the official gazette on April 8, 2021.

As a corollary, if the notification, dated April 5, 2021, was issued in anticipation of the promulgation of the Second Amendment Ordinance then to the extent of declaring that the defunct chairperson had ceased to hold the office was without lawful effect and jurisdiction.

Moreover, without prejudice to the foregoing discussion, the competent authority to appoint or remove the chairperson under the HEC Ordinance is the prime minister.

&ldquo;Nothing has been placed on record to show that the defunct chairperson was removed by the competent authority. We declare that the impugned notifications were issued without lawful authority and jurisdiction,&rdquo; said the judgment.]]>
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			<title>Performance-based formula urged for funding varsities</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345204/performance-based-formula-urged-for-funding-varsities</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2345204/performance-based-formula-urged-for-funding-varsities#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 22 20:56:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Safdar Rizvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2345204</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC beleaguered chief questions if Pakistani scientists have actually produced anything]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The beleaguered chairman of the Higher Education Commission on Wednesday questioned the credibility and viability of higher education and research institutions of the country.

&quot;What have our so-called scientists produced so far? No one can tell. We doubt that they have produced anything worth mentioning,&quot; Banuri said speaking at seminar held at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST) Karachi.

&quot;In Pakistan, the highly coveted academic achievement of the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) has been turned into a market degree,&quot; said Banuri, a PhD Economics from the Havard University. He was removed from his post by the federal government in March 2021 and reinstated by the Islamabad High Court in January 2022. The federal government has, however, stripped him of all powers, which now rest with the director general of the HEC.

&quot;Except for private universities, our public sector universities are not independent,&quot; Banuri said. Explaining the extent of official interference in the affairs of the universities, he said that the vice chancellor of a university was afraid of talking to him.

&quot;The VC thought that if he talks to me, the authorities might deduct his salary, or worst, register cases against him, though he knew that I am telling the truth, but he cannot do anything,&quot; the outspoken HEC head said.

&quot;One-third of universities in Pakistan are receiving excessive funding against the formula. The remaining get less funding than needed. We do not want any university to be funded on a discriminatory basis but on a performance-based formula,&quot; he added.

FUUAST Professor Asghar Dashti said the state of affairs at public universities have deteriorated to the point that the President of Pakistan and Chancellor of FUUAST Dr Arif Alvi had appointed a graduate having two-year executive BBA degree as the convener for the search committee for the vice chancellor of the institution. However, Dashti said, even that the search committee was not included in the scrutiny of the VC candidates and the whole process was outsourced.

Read&nbsp;IHC restores Banuri as chairman of HEC

A seminar was forcibly postponed when Karachi University Teachers Association invited HEC chairman Dr Tariq Banuri, Dashti said, &quot;we showed more courage and political insight than the teachers of Karachi University and today we called the HEC chairman here because the doors of Karachi University were closed on the head of HEC.&quot;

&lsquo;Higher education sector in crisis&rsquo;

There is a crisis in the country at the level of higher education, said the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Tariq Banuri addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Thursday along with Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) chief Karamat Ali.

&ldquo;There is a crisis of authority in HEC and I&rsquo;m trying to control it,&rdquo; said Banuri, who was reinstated by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year after the federal government had sacked him in March 2021.

&ldquo;Ataur Rehman and Iqbal Chaudhry had a hand in getting me removed,&rdquo; Banur alleged adding &ldquo;We gave project concept (PC-1) of Rs700 million for the university at the Prime Minister&rsquo;s House. Then this plan was taken from us and given to Dr Ataur Rehman.&rdquo;

Rehman submitted PC-1 of Rs45 billion for the project of converting PM House in to a varsity as per the Premier Imran Khan&rsquo;s electoral promise. The amount Rehman suggested was impracticable and &ldquo;We opposed it,&rdquo; Banuri said. &ldquo;When I was removed through an ordinance, the PC-1 for a university at PM House was approved for Rs25 billion. This project concept was not even worth granting Rs10,&rdquo; he claimed.

University teachers are being pressured not to call me. First the University of Karachi, then the University of Peshawar and now the Urdu University teachers were pressured not to invite me to the university. I want a social movement to form which would take these issues forward. 

HEC alone cannot do anything. Students and teachers should join this movement. PILER&rsquo;s Karamat Ali said that according to the prime minister, two million children are out of school. &ldquo;What funds were allocated for them?&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Rs1.4b bid received for HEC sell-off</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2344708/rs14b-bid-received-for-hec-sell-off</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2344708/rs14b-bid-received-for-hec-sell-off#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Feb 22 04:17:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2344708</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approved the Rs98.23 or Rs1.385 billion minimum price]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The IMS Engineering Company on Monday placed Rs1.4 billion bid -- 1.7% higher than the reserve price -- for the acquisition of the Heavy Electrical Complex (HEC), marking the first privatisation transaction of an enterprise during the three-and-half years of the government.

The IMS Engineering gave the highest per share bid of Rs99.999 for the acquisition of 96.6% shares in the government-controlled entity, according to the three sealed envelopes opened in front of the audience.

The bidding took place at a local hotel in which three parties participated but the other two bidders appeared only fulfilling the formality as their bid price was many times lower than the reserve price. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation approved the Rs98.23 or Rs1.385 billion minimum price.

The Pak Electron Limited (PEL) gave only Rs17.73 per share or Rs250 million bid price while the Waves-Singer company submitted Rs26.25 per share or Rs370 million price for the acquisition of the company.

The credit to sell the HEC at Rs1.4 billion price in the third attempt goes to the current board of the Privatisation Commission that had also refused to accept the financial advisers&rsquo; recommendation to sell the entity at Rs82.35 per share or Rs1.16 billion.

This helped the government get Rs250 million over and above the price, which the financial advisers had recommended but was not accepted by the board and the CCoP.

The Rs1.4 billion price is very good and above the minimum reserve price, said Mohammadmian Soomro, the federal minister for privatisation, after the conclusion of the bidding process.

The government has now called a meeting of the Privatisation Commission board today (Tuesday) to formally approve the price and send the same to the CCoP for onward submission to the federal cabinet.

The HEC is owned by the State Engineering Company (SEC), working under the administrative control of the Ministry of Industries and Production. It manufactures power transformers of 132 kilovolts and 66 kilovolts and is located in Hattar, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier, the attempt to privatise HEC was made in 2014, however, due to poor response the process was abandoned in December 2014.

Read:&nbsp;PC puts off decision on HEC sale

The last attempt to privatise HEC was made in March 2015, when three parties pre-qualified but only one deposited the earnest money. Later, the CCOP approved the bid offered by Cargill Holding Limited but HEC could not be privatized. The bidder&rsquo;s earnest money of Rs25 million was accordingly forfeited.

The Express Tribune had unearthed in 2015 how a company was registered in Kenya just a month before the HEC privatisation process began. The company subsequently defaulted on its commitments and gave a cheque that was bound to bounce back after a series of stories appeared in this newspaper.

So far, the PTI government has conducted two real estate transactions in past over three years. The HEC marks the first corporate sector transaction, although its size remains small.

Mohammadmian Soomro hoped that at least two more privatisation transactions will be completed by June this year.

The IMS Limited is an engineering company, providing complete engineering procurement construction and commissioning services in four different verticals, according to the company&rsquo;s profile.

The government has informed to bidders that 513 kanals of land in Taxila which is still in the name of HEC, will not be part of the privatisation transaction. This land is presently in possession of Heavy Mechanical Complex and the ministry of industry has indicated that they are initiating a summary for ECC as title of this land needs to transferred out of revenue record from HEC to avoid any complications during post privatisation process.

The financial advisers hired by the government along with the director-general of the commission recommended a price of Rs82.35 per share or a valuation of over Rs1.1 billion for HEC.

However, a majority of the PC board members recommended the price of Rs98.23 per share or a valuation of Rs1.4 billion. The finance advisers recommended the valuation that had been worked out on the basis of a terminal growth rate of 2.9% for the next 10 years, which was less than the official growth projections.

The board members, however, were of the view that both GDP growth and inflation would have to be considered in the growth rate. They said that the 2.9% growth factor would mean that HEC&rsquo;s future growth would not be consistent with the GDP growth and inflationary factors beyond 10 years.

A majority of the board members proposed a minimum terminal value of 4.5% instead of 2.9%, which would increase the minimum value of the entity to Rs1.4 billion.

Strict procedures and timelines are given in the Privatisation Ordinance that the privatisation ministry cannot ignore, said Soomro while explaining the reasons behind virtually no real privatisation in past three and half years. He said that the success of the privatisation transactions also depend upon other ministries and prevailing circumstances.]]>
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			<title>Call for research to improve economic productivity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343681/call-for-research-to-improve-economic-productivity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343681/call-for-research-to-improve-economic-productivity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 22 19:35:31 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2343681</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[HEC executive director says meritocracy should be promoted]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[There is a need to promote research that contributes to strengthening the economy of Pakistan by building up high-quality exportable products.

This was stated by Higher Education Commission (HEC) Executive Director Dr Shaista Sohail. She was speaking at a national conference titled &quot;Meeting of the Minds&quot; organised by the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) on Tuesday.

HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri stressed the need of moving away from the metrics that emphasise on the quantity of research papers produced to an approach that values the weight of one quality paper.

He added that a paper that either solves or contributes meaningfully to solving a problem should be valued over dozens of papers which do not develop a body of knowledge.

The conference, held under the leadership of Rector Shaheen Sardar Ali, brought together early career researchers/academics who have undergone training at NAHE under the National Faculty Development Program (NFDP) and placed at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through the Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs (IPFP) fellowships. These IPFP Fellows received a Start Up Research Grant (SRGP) for a research project at the institution of placement of up to Rs1 million. Upon completion of the project, NAHE encouraged them to reflect their research findings in a poster and provided them training on poster making, which was offered by Dr Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem from LUMS.

Panel members (senior academics) from HEIs in the country evaluated these posters and received a three-minute presentation by the fellows, explaining their research and poster, after which authors of the five top-ranked posters were announced. A total of 65 fellows submitted their posters for evaluation.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2022.]]>
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			<title>Govt asks SC to restrain HEC chief from making policy decisions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343575/Govt-asks-SC-to-restrain-HEC-chief-from-making-policy-decisions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343575/Govt-asks-SC-to-restrain-HEC-chief-from-making-policy-decisions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Feb 22 05:14:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2343575</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Apex court asks why the chairman isn’t being allowed to exercise his powers]]>
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				<![CDATA[The federal government has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to restrain Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri from taking decisions on policy matters.

The apex court heard a petition against the reinstatement of the incumbent HEC chief on Monday, wherein it asked why the official was not being allowed to exercise his powers.

The hearing was conducted by three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ijazul Haq.

During the hearing, Justice Muneeb Akhtar remarked that on one hand the government says that the law has been amended, and on the other it wants to stop the HEC chief from exercising his powers.

The deputy attorney general said that the commission&rsquo;s chairman should be bound to work on day-to-day matters. He said that the chairman cannot appoint an executive director, as per the changed rules, and the court should restrain him from making decisions on policy matters.

Justice Haq said that the matter of appointments would be settled with the court&rsquo;s decision.

The deputy AG said that the HEC chief can only appoint experts, but he is overstepping his authority by appointing rectors and committee members.

Following this, the SC admitted the appeal for further hearing, but said that it would resume after the detailed verdict of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) is issued.

It is worth mentioning here that the federal government had approached the apex court against the high court&rsquo;s decision of reinstating the commission&rsquo;s chief.]]>
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			<title>VCs are appointed under pressure, claims HEC chief</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343043/vcs-are-appointed-under-pressure-claims-hec-chief</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2343043/vcs-are-appointed-under-pressure-claims-hec-chief#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Feb 22 04:31:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zaigham.naqvi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2343043</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Dr Banuri blames ‘external interference’ for departmental paralysis]]>
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				<![CDATA[The ongoing dispute between the government and the chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) appears to have intensified, with the latter claiming departmental paralysis in the face of external interference.

Talking to journalists at a meeting in the federal capital, HEC chief Dr Tariq Banuri pointed out that instead of disbursing required funds for existing universities, the government is focusing on building new universities. He said that while the government should be a patron of the education system, it should avoid interfering in educational matters.

Read:&nbsp;HEC members dislodge chairman Banori

Dr Banuri said that previously the heads of HEC misused their powers and efforts were made to weaken the department and universities. He pointed out how vice-chancellors are appointed under pressure, and the commission is threatened into paying certain persons their preferred salaries. He added that &ldquo;some people&rdquo; even allocate more funds for favoured universities, thus encroaching on the rights of those who deserve appropriate funds.

The HEC chief said that the case against him started with the audit of one research centre, adding that while 29 research centres are ready for audit, one is not, and &ldquo;we have been stopped from audit&rdquo;.

He said that Rs1 billion were to be given to Husein Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry but the institute objected to an audit, and the Ministry of Education restrained the HEC, telling it &ldquo;not to tamper with the institution&rdquo;. However, he added, no investigative agency has yet been contacted over the alleged corruption.

He also revealed that HEC was given Rs700 million for Prime Minister House University while Rs25 billion were earmarked for the said project when a good university can be prepared in Rs3 billion to Rs5 billion. He contrasted with the lack of funds for existing institutions.

Taking the government to task over negligence over HEC&rsquo;s developmental projects, he said that funds were given to the said research centre but nobody followed up with them over their progress.

He highlighted how Rs40 billion have been spent, but a vaccine for coronavirus could not be produced. He compared this with India where a vaccine was developed and put to sale.

The HEC chief demanded fairness in the allocation of funds to universities. He said that he had no quarrel with the government broadly, but a few people who were intervening in the department&rsquo;s affairs.

Read:&nbsp;University enrolments fall amid confusion

Commenting on the government&rsquo;s scholarship initiative, he said that currently 90,000 students are being given scholarship under the largest programme in this sector in the country&rsquo;s history.

Supreme Court hearing

Separately, it emerged on Thursday that the Supreme Court (SC) has fixed February 14 for hearing the federal government&rsquo;s appeal against Islamabad High Court&rsquo;s (IHC0 order for Dr Banuri&rsquo;s reinstatement.

The apex court also issued notices to the lawyers of the parties, including the deputy attorney general.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan and comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ayesha A Malik will hear the appeal.]]>
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			<title>HEC: doing too much?</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341307/hec-doing-too-much</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2341307/hec-doing-too-much#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 22 17:51:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Muhammad Hamid Zaman]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2341307</guid>
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				<![CDATA[Perhaps the reason there is disappointment is not because HEC is not doing enough, maybe it is trying to do too much.]]>
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				<![CDATA[In another world, the fact that the high court said that the government overstepped its authority in removing the HEC chairperson would have led to resignations. That is unlikely to happen in the current environment. So in the meantime, let us celebrate and hope &mdash; celebrate that there is a chairperson at HEC, who has been reinstated to do his job; and hope that we will not see any effort to undermine the already fragile system. 

HEC has been criticised by many in not living up to its promise. The complaints range from the pace of processes to new policies that may seem ad hoc to some. The list of complaints by the stakeholders is long to list here, but perhaps the real reason there is such disappointment is not because HEC is not doing enough. Maybe it is trying to do too much. 

Let us, for example, take the chronic issue of plagiarism in research publications that HEC has been trying to address for some time. In part, this corruption in our midst is driven by financial incentives where more publications mean a financial reward and job stability for a university researcher. This is due to the ill-designed policy in early years of HEC where in order to boost publication numbers, and to incentivise scholars to publish, financial rewards were created. Publishing an individual paper resulted in an actual cash award. It is not hard to figure out that such a system is both flawed and is easy to game. Today, HEC spends its precious resources trying to clean up the mess of its own past. How well they work is a topic of separate discussion but a question should be asked whether the higher education commission &mdash; designed to foster a culture of scholarship and innovation &mdash; should be in the business of checking whether an individual university researcher copied the work of another colleague, or published it in a predatory journal. Should a federal agency be doing that? Can this not be done at the institutional level? 

A visit to the HEC website gives us a clue of what all HEC has been trying to do. It seems more like a customer service portal than an institution that aims to promote the culture of research. The website is an unorganised laundry list of policies, news releases, job openings and workshops to name a few. It is simultaneously a body that manages exams (by publishing answer key to recent exams), provides information to parents about institutions that are giving unrecognised degrees, has information about assessment tests and gives instructions on how to attest laminated documents. The Urdu website prominently displays links from conferences in 2016 (listed under latest news and information).

While there is a lot of information on the website, nowhere on the website (in English or in Urdu) is there any information about the vision of the institution, the challenges that the country&rsquo;s higher education community needs to tackle, and what is planned to address those challenges. It provides no reason to the visitor to believe that the institution has anything to do with research and scholarship. It has no description of research efforts that are currently supported or what might be priority areas in the near future. It fails to mention success stories that have been enabled through HEC funds and does not provide any information about the history of the institution. 

In my conversations with family, colleagues and collaborators in the higher education sector, and with friends and family who are currently students, HEC represents different things to different people. There is little overlap between their perceptions that range from a body that validates documents to one that sets research agenda, from an institution that creates a statute for tenure-track appointments to one that publishes exam results. Invariably &mdash; in trying to do everything for everyone &mdash; it disappoints most. Perhaps &mdash; as the chairperson reflects on a second chance to foster a culture of scholarship &mdash; he could imagine an institution that does a few things, but does them really well.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2022.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.]]>
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			<title>MA, MSc cut-off date extended</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2328226/ma-msc-cut-off-date-extended</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2328226/ma-msc-cut-off-date-extended#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Nov 21 19:53:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ADNAN LODHI]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2328226</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PU gets HEC nod to continue 2-year programmes in coming session]]>
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				<![CDATA[After the federal and provincial governments took notice of the discontinuation of the two-year MA and MSc programmes by Punjab University, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has given a relaxation for a year for the implementation of the decision.

As per sources, the government reportedly intervened in view of the expected impact of the move on thousands of students. On the other hand, the HEC also issued a notification regarding permission to continue the MA and MSc programmes for a year.

The sources said the HEC might extend the period of the relaxation in future. Punjab University had announced last week the discontinuation of its 100-year-old MA and MSc programmes in accordance with a decision of the HEC in this regard. 

The university also advised its affiliated colleges not to admit students for the degrees this year.

According to sources in PU, the university had taken the decision in view of HEC&rsquo;s advice, otherwise it earned millions of rupees every year in registration fee from thousands of students of the programmes. The affected students had also run a social media campaign to draw the government&rsquo;s attention to their plight.

Read&nbsp;&lsquo;HEC neglected VCs while forming policies&rsquo;

Now the students can appear in exams of MA and MSc for one more year. &quot;We have given a yearlong relaxation till June 30, 2022 to students across the country. The purpose is to give an opportunity to thousands of students who had already been affected because of the coronavirus pandemic. We had earlier given relaxation to the students till March this year, but now we have extended the period by a year,&rdquo; a senior official of the HEC told The Express Tribune.

A large number of students from remote areas with limited financial resources appear in MA exams as private candidates. A majority of students from South Punjab get higher education as private candidates of through local colleges. 

&quot;Although the universities have adopted the four-year BS honours and MS programs, our financial situation has not changed. Private education is the only option for our children, so the government should continue earlier programmes too,&rdquo; said Ali Gohar, a resident of Dera Ghazi Khan.

A spokesperson for the university confirmed that a yearlong relaxation had been given to the MA students in accordance with the decision of the HEC. 

An administrative official of the university said while commenting on the issue, &ldquo;Almost all sitting parliamentarians and senior officers on important departments are products of the MA/ MSc programmes. Besides this, about 90 per cent officials in the civil services are those who did MA or MSc and after that cleared the competitive exams.&rdquo;

The official said most of the PU professors and even vice chancellors at of public sector universities had obtained MA or MSc degrees during their education. Now these officials are winding up the degree programmes that were earlier counted among high qualifications in the country. If the programmes were substandard then how would these officials justify their own positions, he added. 

&ldquo;The professors and thousands of students are grateful to Punjab and federal governments for stopping the HEC and other officials from discontinuing the MA and MSc programmes,&rdquo; he said. 

He said ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had promised to promote education, so Prime Minister Imran Khan should take notice the moves against the MA and MSc programmes.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2021.]]>
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			<title>Government varsities face financial crunch</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2321425/government-varsities-face-financial-crunch</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2321425/government-varsities-face-financial-crunch#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 21 20:08:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Yousuf Abbasi]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2321425</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[VCs fear losing powers to education ministry]]>
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				<![CDATA[More than 30 public sector universities in Punjab are facing a financial crisis after discontinuation of scholarships and large cuts in research funds by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.

On the other hand, it is being alleged that the members of the syndicates appointed on political grounds have made the universities subservient to their will. 

Government universities are said to be autonomous but the position of vice chancellors in administrative and financial affairs has been diminished through the official picked. 

The provincial minister for higher education has been empowered as the chairman of the syndicates of all the universities with at least two MPAs as their members.

According to sources in the education sector, the weakening of autonomy and financial problems have started affecting the performance of the universities. 

Read&nbsp;&lsquo;Varsities struggling to equip students for evolving industries&rsquo;

&nbsp;

he HEC Pakistan has only restored a small proportion of funding for the universities after a drastic reduction.

According to academics, the universities cannot be expected to maintain their educational standard without adequate financial resources for scholarships and research.

Sources revealed that the participants of a VCs conference held in Lahore by the Punjab HEC recently aired their grievances in this regard. 

The sources said that the VCs of several universities complained during the discussion with government representatives that their status had become lower than that of a section officer of the higher education department. 

All financial and administrative matters are presented to the syndicate for approval but the decision is made by the provincial minister as the chairman. The VC is only a member of the forum, while government officials enjoy more powers, they complained.

While the public sector universities are recognised as autonomous institutions, the autonomy is practically being exercised by the nominated members and chairman of the syndicates.

On the other hand, it seems that a cold war for powers is going on between the Punjab governor, who is chancellor of the province&#39;s universities, and the provincial ministry of higher education.

The sources said the chancellor was in favour of the autonomy of the universities but was facing resistance in this regard. 

Read more&nbsp;Universities: financial crunch

He has also said that the powers and decisions of the VCs pertaining to the promotion of knowledge and research should not be challenged. 

However, the heads of universities fear that their powers are being eroded.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Okara University VC Dr Zakrya Zakir said the universities had not received funds from the HEC for quite some time and they were trying to run their finances on their own.

The VCs of some major universities of the province, seeking anonymity, said they lacked funds even for staff salary, what to say of research and development. 

The sources revealed that the HEC had allocated Rs100 billion for the public sector universities across the country bit the allocation had been halved.

They said the heads of the institutions had been asked to generate financial resources for their functioning.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2021.]]>
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