Science and tech neglect
Educational qualifications of B-Tech graduates and also those of diploma holders in engineering subjects are recognised in other countries but not in all parts of Pakistan. One finds it difficult how to define this serious anomaly. No one is going to be amused by this grave discrepancy, least of all the engineering graduates. This is happening at a time when many engineers remain unemployed in the country. Pakistani engineers mostly get jobs in foreign countries. Senator Mohammad Ali Saif first raised the issue in the Senate in March this year. Fortunately, after a long delay mainly caused by procrastination on the part of successive governments the issue is expected to be resolved soon; B-Tech degrees and diplomas in engineering disciplines will be recognised all over the country.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and Professional Training recently. The Higher Education Commission was asked to expedite the matter and submit a report to the committee. HEC officials apprised the Senate panel that the issue had been lingering since 1973 in the absence of any regulatory framework for the related degrees. In order to speed up the matter, the Senate committee decided to set up a sub-committee, with members from the federal education ministry, HEC, other related institutions, and representatives of B-Tech graduates. The sub-committee is to submit its report within a month. The panel also instructed the relevant authorities to set up a National Technology Cell since the lack of such an organisation is hindering science and technology education and other issues relating to science and technology affecting the country’s progress.
It is universally acknowledged that in this age nations can progress only through excellence in science and technology. However, what we are witnessing in Pakistan is that these significant matters are being thoroughly neglected. The non-recognition of B-Tech degrees can only be attributed to this laid-back attitude on the part of the authorities.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 13th, 2020.
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