The latest controversy surrounding the HEC erupted when Dr Sohail Naqvi, the Executive Director for HEC for the past nine years was replaced by the secretary of the ministry of education and training, Major (retd) Qamar Zaman Chaudhry on November 29.
Rahman termed Chaudhry’s appointment “not only a violation of the law but also in direct contempt of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.” He said that the HEC Act not only empowers the Commission to appoint its own ED but the Supreme Court of Pakistan had also passed a ruling in April last year that granted constitutional protection to the HEC as an independent regulatory authority.
According to Rehman, the HEC had always upheld its own standards of excellence, which repeatedly irked those in power. He said this in reference to the pressure exerted on HEC when the Supreme Court’s ordered a verification of the educational degrees of legislators in 2010.
“When we refused to bend under political pressure and called a spade a spade, they tried to shred HEC and make education a provincial matter,” he said referring to the attempts made at devolving the HEC last year.
Rahman highlighted that education globally is controlled by the center, and sticking to a similar model for HEC in Pakistan has yielded positive results.
‘A silent revolution’
Recapping HEC’s achievements which have been called “a silent revolution” in an evaluation by the World Bank, he cited an increase in the enrollment rate in universities from 270,000 in 2003 to over a million students currently. The number of higher education institutions increased from 74 in 2001 to 143 in 2012 and several of them made it to the top 500 higher education institutions in the world.
He also emphasized that the quality of education along with the quantity has been a priority for the HEC. Therefore, the use of technology and digital tools has also increased significantly over the past decade and tougher criterion for the appointment and promotion of faculty has been put into place.
The HEC’s contributions to the education system in Pakistan have been recognized globally, stated Rehman. He cited India as an example, which is planning to launch a similar model by closing down its University Grant Comission and setting up a National Commission of Higher Education and Research (NCHER) which is modeled along the lines of HEC.
Rahman said that while Dr Sohail Naqvi, the terminated ED was at the heart of these achievements, his dismissal had more serious implications because of the violation of law.
Rahman appealed to civil society to raise their voices and join him in his mission to save the HEC from becoming a political tool.
“The future of the country does not lie in our oil or gold or minerals, but in our children. And it is our duty to prevent entities like the HEC falling prey to political tools so that investment in these children’s brighter future can be ensured,” he said.
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Dr.Atta-ur-rehman is among the few that can change our Pak, his every advise should be taken as order indeed.
How many institutions in Pakistan do allow or have the infrastructure for research- not all PhDs want to teach in Universities- those who want to, do return but those who want to carry out researches cannot do it in Universities which do not have adequate equipment let alone sorry tales.
I remember reading a story narrated by a PhD in a news article where he was banned from going in to the lab by a peon on the pretext of timings. This is the infrastructure that is operational. So does that mean our people should be deprived of the privilege of becoming PhDs? Does it mean the government should stop sponsoring even those meager 5000 out of a billion students? Does that make any sense. And if they carry on their research in some other country- does that make then traitors as many are trying so hard to prove???
As for Uza Syed's story of indirect control of HEC through a puppet Dr. Sohail. If autonomy is maintained by mentoring or guiding someone- it necessarily doesn't mean a conspiracy. A person can be re-elected to the same seat if they are capable. As you say there is a time period - is there no other candidate suitable for the position- let alone the Ministry???? I am sure we do have a lot of learned people!
Dr.Sb,** I myself & all those who love promoting of Professional EDUCATION in PAKISTAN ,ll Sir, we are very proud to Your efforts, dedication, devotion, & achievement to globally recognized the our Education Standers and establishing HEC for Quality Education , and provide the Scholarship for abroad and also in the country for Quality education . Sir, when politics and negative thinking and negative approach are involve in the field of education then every things was possible. Sir your type of reformer, scholar, educationalist, are misfit & there is no place in the country of such personalities like you because we are living in the LAW violating Society. where most of the Govt machinery members are violating rules and law an govern by their means & wish
So we are suffers for such times while TRUTH will be dominated INSHA ALLAH
Dr.Sb, I myself & all those who love promoting of Professional EDUCATION in PAKISTAN ,ll Sir, we are very proud to Your efforts, dedication, devotion, & achievement to globally recognized the our Education Standers and establishing HEC for Quality Education , and provide the Scholarship for abroad and also in the country for Quality education . Sir, when politics and negative thinking and negative approach are involve in the field of education then every things was possible. Sir your type of reformer, scholar, educationalist, are misfit & there is no place in the country of such personalities like you because we are living in the LAW violating Society. where most of the Govt machinery members are violating rules and law an govern by their means & wish
So we are suffers for such times while TRUTH will be dominated INSHA ALLAH
@HEC Fellow France: I was pleased to read out your reasonable response. Definitely this is what I wanted to convey, we don
t have set up or infrastructure to accomodate and get the maximum benefit from the majority of Phds if they returned, and I know very well we cannot design F-16. May small nos. of Phds upon return are well contributing in some fields, thatswhy I apologized in my earlier thread, but I still say if we rationally think over this program, it was just a disguise. I am of the strong belief to plant a tree at home and get the fruits, it will continue to give you rather watering others trees and getting the fruits, no sane nation can afford it, but we Pakistani`s generally have micro vision not a macro. Have a nice day.@Sonia: Dr. Attaur Rehman says that only HEC is empowered by its laws to appoint its ED which the chappy Shail has been for 8 years. HEC's laws forbid extension of ED's contract beyond 8 years, so why this guy the ex boss man is so terribly agitated and agitating right now, why is he telling only half truths. His this active involvement with his 'shoe shine boy' and his loss of job is creating suspisions in public mind. Sohail Naqvi is ensures Attaur Rehman's control over the helms of HEC and that's not right. If Attaur cares so much about HEC then why did he leave, if he falsely anticipated return of his own benefactor the dictator Musharraf and wished to prove his loyalty to Musharraf then tough luck those days are gone and Mr Atta should take his regrets to the privacy of his own little space and not mourn in public. HEC is cured of the desease called ED and so is Mr Attur Rehman and HEC is potent again and lets hope them two, too.
@Uza Syed:
:) If you had read the news article clearly your answer and comments would have been more logical and really acceptable. Agreed that Doc resigned on his own terms- BUT DR. NAQVI WAS TERMINATED. He did not resign. Can you give me one viable reason y the government would do it at the end of their tenure??? Sorry to say but your conspiracy theory might apply for a political party- but hardly for an educated man who challenged many uneducated idiots who were out to loot the people (maybe you remember the water car case and the 3 cabinet level meetings on it and the PCSIR approval- which was beyond belief) Dr. Atta is a highly learned individual and wants to maintain the AUTONOMY of the HEC- irrespective of the provinces- just like the judicial system- what is wrong with that????
SO MANY PEOPLE AGAINST THE AUTONOMY OF HEC - BUT NOT AGAINST THE JUDICIARY- WHY IS THAT SO- ONE LEADS TO THE OTHER- IF YOU ARE EDUCATED ONLY THEN YOU BECOME A LAWYER OR A JUDGE- WHAT IS WRONG IN MAINTAINING A INDEPENDENT DEGREE GRANTING AUTHORITY????? ANY SPECIFIC REASONS????
@Sindh Voice: your answer is right to some extent, and no one is trying to usurp your right in democracy. Let me tell you one thing, out of 20/21 professors who taught me were only 3 were non phd but had been pursuing their PhD at that time and out of them one has also completed his PhD this Year. And i told you about the persons who completed their PhDs are not sitting in highly furnished offices, yes they have some good pay. And you have asked about the tax-Payment and your right to question, it is your right, but finishing PhD doesnt mean that he can build an F-16, it is also provision of money and resources which give time to produce them. And most of people who were working here and did complete their Phd, worked on the diseases, problems and issues in various fileds from agriculture to science and technology. And then comes the responsibility of state to implement them. It is not only a PhD who can use the magic stick but the state to provide environment. I am not emotional, but your question did make me to do so. And remember PhD is not a rocket science to bring a revolution within night. And i gave your repsonse about PhD's taught me , at that time it was exceptional because a lot of visting faculty was involved. Questioning on Tax is right but please also question those who are using taxpayer money in every field .... Please ponder to do that ... I am not hurt, because it is daily routine matter to face hundreds of issues ... and off course if you are hurt then sorry :) .
@Uza Syed: Dr Atta is a noble personality and pride of our nation in gobal science community. Denying his calibre is only show of one's disinformation and unawareness about his achievements. Dr sb has sole responsibility to raise his voice in his capacity like all other citizens against the slow poisoning of HEC in the hands of this political mafia which donot know about justice and merit. They only know enrolling jialas and their political figures. Many national institutes are presenting horrible picture of their destruction, don't you see this all.
@Uza Syed: Dr. Atta is an asset of Pakistan and one of the top scientists of international repute. If a person doesnot recognise this fact it means he is unaware about his scientific profile/calibre. Being a Pakistani he has sole right like other citizens to raise voice in his capacity against the slow poison of the HEC. As many other institutions are presnting terrible picture of their survival under the corrupt management of this democratic government.
@HEC Fellow France: Your assumption about my next query is wrong. Come out of emotions, be realistic and with a peace of mind think over whether construction / development of universities in Pakistan with same amount was better or you want to have 5,000 more friends visiting France etc on our tax money? If you have graduated from university in Pakistan, how many Phd
s taught you? upon return they generally occupy big offices rather teaching you practicals............. and now we have 5,000 Phds I think, we are capable to design and manufacture F-16 by ourselves, open your eyes please. I regret if somebody is hurt from my comment, but its my personal opinion and I have right to say in this democratic country, when I pay my taxes and submit returns on time.@Sonia: Well, I'm glad if my comments, somehow, jolted to open some eyes to see the reality as it is. No I'm not personally affected by Dr. Atta or his trickery, what bothers me is the fact that the man wishes to continue controlling HEC through remote and this gives reasons to suspect his motives. When anyone resigns and parts ways with an organization then the relationship ends right then, where as this man still seems to have some vested interests here as if HEC is his personal property with some kind of hereditary rights. It's becoming clear that this chappy Sohail Naqvi is an instrument to perpetuate Dr. Atta's powr in HEC. Dr. Atta is unfortunately demonstrating the same pathological sense of self-importance that destroyed Mr. AQ Khan before him. Dr. Atta must be stopped from meddling in the affairs of HEC, he left HEC by resigning from his job on his own choice many years ago and has no role to play in its affairs. His ED is taken care of and he should be happy that there are enough young blood talented enough to handle the damages his ED already inflicted upon HEC. It's time to call quits finally, good bye to M/s. Drs. Atta & Naqvi Enterprises Unlimited.
In Pakistan:
Literacy rate ranges from 87% in Islamabad to 20% in the Kohlu District During 2000—2004, the age group 25–34 had a literacy rate of 50%, and 15–24 had 60% In tribal areas female literacy is 7.5%. Only 11% of the population has some command over the English language One of the highest illiteracy rates in the world Second largest out of school population (5.1 million children) after NigeriaDo we need to produce PhDs to fill this gap, or invest more on elementary education to bridge the gap, for creating self awareness, checking fundamentalism, effective involvement in the political process. Priorities just don't seem right. Simple age old rule: If you have limited money, you have to invest it with the maximum rate of return.
Reminded me of an article that I read a while ago. The following excerpts from it excellently sum it up.
Until recently the PhD was the top qualification available in ... universities. It was the preserve of the very few, and required students to contribute new knowledge in their subject area through research. Now there's a widespread perception that anyone can do one, whatever the subject.
There are weak students from abroad who apply with poorly formulated proposals for PhDs. There are also students who have been "ordered" by their governments to do a doctorate – backed by the money to pay for it – when they don't have the ability to complete one. "Many students come from cultures where they have no background in academic writing and this can make PhD writing very onerous indeed," she says.
My question: What is the net gain from these 5000 PhDs?
In my view this guy should be arrested and put into the jail for interfering in the state affairs.
There was no quota for our interior sind so I think PPP did right to cut HEC funds
I find the idea that hard rich people should be taxed so that students can get quality education in pak. If poorer students are being put off from applying to university, what they turn out? they may become talban or anti state person. As they think state not treat them well. Enjoy your little walk, but don't think the majority of rich people agree with me. In Pak most rich people sit in assemblies. They even want to snatch the HEC money of 50 billion rather to pay any tax, this is wired.
At least we can learn by India they put education tax,waste of our tex money by Shobaz Sharif,Zardari and MQM, you can see how to use tax money for betterment of youth by India,, what is India doing???. Rippling through India’s education system are giant waves of young people who by 2020 will swell the country’s labor pool by 100 million workers. And more will be coming behind them: Half the 1.2 billion people here are younger than age 25. By contrast, China, Europe, and other major economies face shrinking workforces because of aging populations. To accommodate this crush of young people, the Indian government says the country must build 1,000 universities and 50,000 colleges within the next decade. By comparison, the total number of colleges in the United States, including two-year institutions, is 4,200. Simply put, this country needs more institutions of higher learning if it is going to be an economic powerhouse in the 21st century. It also needs better schools. And it needs them now. A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute, a consulting firm, found that less than 17 percent of India’s graduates were immediately employable. As a result, top Indian firms often have to put new hires through months of in-house schooling to train them for jobs for which they were supposed to be qualified. Granted, this is not the image of Indian students that many outsiders, particularly Americans, hold. US medical schools and engineering programs seem to be full of Indians excelling in the theoretical math and biochemistry courses that many other students often struggle with or shun.
I find the idea that hard rich people should be taxed so that students can get quality education in pak. If poorer students are being put off from applying to university, what they turn out? they may become talban or anti state person. As they think state not treat them well. Enjoy your little walk, but don't think the majority of rich people agree with me. In Pak most rich people sit in assemblies. They even want to snatch the HEC money of 50 billion rather to pay any tax, this is wired.
At least we can learn by India they put education tax,waste of our tex money by Shobaz Sharif,Zardari and MQM, you can see how to use tax money for betterment of youth by India,, what is India doing???. Rippling through India’s education system are giant waves of young people who by 2020 will swell the country’s labor pool by 100 million workers. And more will be coming behind them: Half the 1.2 billion people here are younger than age 25. By contrast, China, Europe, and other major economies face shrinking workforces because of aging populations. To accommodate this crush of young people, the Indian government says the country must build 1,000 universities and 50,000 colleges within the next decade. By comparison, the total number of colleges in the United States, including two-year institutions, is 4,200. Simply put, this country needs more institutions of higher learning if it is going to be an economic powerhouse in the 21st century. It also needs better schools. And it needs them now. A recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute, a consulting firm, found that less than 17 percent of India’s graduates were immediately employable. As a result, top Indian firms often have to put new hires through months of in-house schooling to train them for jobs for which they were supposed to be qualified. Granted, this is not the image of Indian students that many outsiders, particularly Americans, hold. US medical schools and engineering programs seem to be full of Indians excelling in the theoretical math and biochemistry courses that many other students often struggle with or shun.
Dr Atta-ur-Rehman has nothing to do with HEC now. Why is he interfering in the national matter? Elected Government is there to decide what is good and what is bad for the Country. Making "Higher Education" a Provincial matter is really a good step by the current government. By this every Province will get its equal share of scholarships. Dr Atta-ur-Rehman please stop misguiding the people for the sake of your personal interests.
We are with you Doctor Atta. Most of those people criticized on Doctor Atta whom are not good students. We pay taxes this is our money. We demand lets HEC to spend on it the way as they are doing. Dont try to destroy that HEC too. We will not give tax to you if you not not stopped here.
Dr. is great for his services.
@Uza Syed: Your tone is really an eye-opener!!! Looks like Dr.Atta stole your complete farm!!!
Anyone who lays the foundation of any institution not just has an attachment, they have have a bonding to the institution. Looks like you have never done anything like it- thats y you are so disconnected to the world, and wish others to be so!
Dr.Atta's concern is not just valid it is of utmost importance. People who are over-confident of themselves and THINK they can manage anything and everything usually have SHORTCOMINGS so bad that they can completely SHUTDOWN institutions! Not only is this proved by the current government, but also by your rantings!
Yes illegitimate child of a taut of former military dictator.
Guy's try to understand why Dr. Atta has gone ballistic over the issue of Dr. Naqvi's removal. The reason is Dr. Naqvi protected his interests after his departure as Chairmen HEC. He awarded IT contracts of billions of rupees to the either owned by Dr. Atta or he has shares. I personally know that Dr. Atta asked one of the VC to give IT contract to particular company in which he had shares.
@Sindh Voice: Please re-consider your argument, in my city there were around 43 people male and female HEC Scholars, and 100 percent of those who completed PhD went back to Pakistan, even very few who could not complete went back and are there in Pakistan. So dont be so immature. Dont wear the spectacles of selfishness in the name of Sindh and re-consider it. 2 of them serving in Sindh, 3 in KPK, some in Fed Govt, quetta and all hailing from Punjab are serving in Punjab. Now dont start to be more childish and i am responding the new coming question from you that there were lesser sindhis etc, it was totally merit and those got merit came for PhD. So be good , and dont start too much fuss here. Good Day.
All these computers and laptops in every home is due to Dr Atta. he made it available in low cost....in Pakistan... all the funding to state universities which are(were) doing well was due to him... now every state universities has some Phd teachers....
@Sindh Voice: Where did you find out that they dont return? most do and they are one of the few hopes we have for progress in higher education. Shame on you for harboring your 'sindhi' bias. If that money was not used on scholarships, it probably would have been eaten up by corruption, and you know it.
HEC would be alright and no one is going to miss Sohail Naqvi either in or outside the HEC. Dr. Rehman Sahib HEC is not your baby, HEC is our national asset and we, the people, have paid through nose for its creation and its pkeep. We hired you to take care of its affairs and now you have no role in it, you planted your "baby" Dr Sohail Naqvi, to run HEC according to your wishes even after you left it, now we wish to part ways with you and your side kick, so let this great institution be and take your "baby" Sohail Naqvi somewhere else and leave HEC for what the nation has created it for and please do not make HEC a part of your power struggle. It's HEC that should be our concern and not Sohail Naqvi or his upkeep, so, please.
Money spent on education never goes to waste. We must understand & give credit to Dr. Atta-Ur-Rahman for HEC.
@Roti, kapra aur..: Well the state of YOUR education is such that you can even make sarcasm the right way.
@Roti, kapra aur..: Thats more sounding like a typical jiyala then being sarcastic, but gud one anyway :D
The only reason HEC is being destroyed is because the judges asked it to verify fake degrees of our jahil rulers...enough said!!
@Roti, kapra aur..: With the mentality that you have... you won't even get the things that your name mentions!!
@ Roti kapra aur makan......... sharm tumko magar nahin aati.
@Roti, kapra aur..
You are an utter non sense and paid puppet of PPP. People like you want that this country to be strongly divided into poor and rich, left and right and other things on similar lines. Can you justify how Dr. Atta is likely to wipe education in our country? Actually your corrupt government wants to scandalize HEC and then use its funding to feed puppets like you.
@ Adeel :) That's the state of our education; people don't even get the sarcasm
prevent entities like the HEC falling prey to political 'tools'. TOOLS, thats what they are.
@Roti, kapra aur..: stop being naive, give me one step PPP MQM has taken for the betterment of education.... Nothing but systematic destruction of Institutions
Why to cry Dr. Do you think any upcoming body is breathing well in this country. Once a Gora Babu was astonished to see the strength of Pakistan. 120 millions trying to tear it apart but still standing on its feet. Now only some Massieha can do it.
The figures given by Dr. Attaur Rehman, I listen on tv interview. He sent 5,000 students for Phd, and each costed Rs. 10,000,000 Sum = 50,000,000,000. Majority did not return after Phd. How many universities we could built and operate from the same amount, please think over and let us know, should we care your BABY?
The champion of democracy and the torch bearer of liberalism .. the only hope of all liberal forces PPP (after MQM) has done what it can do to save the education. It's the Taliban and their apologetics, people like Dr Atta, who are bent upon wiping education from the country. Ya Allah! help us get rid of these maniacs. Amen!