The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has mandated managements of all universities in the country to consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before entering into agreements with international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), according to a recent directive.
The advisory notes that some programmes have direct impact on Pakistan’s international image.
The commission has intervened to prevent universities from entering into direct agreements with international NGOs, particularly the academic cooperation, without obtaining consultation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recognizing the potential consequences of such agreements, HEC has issued advisory guidelines for all universities and institutions providing higher education in Pakistan.
The advisory emphasizes that collaborations with international institutions, especially those involving various programmes, should be based on formal agreements.
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These agreements not only cover academic programmes but also extend to matters of political significance, which may impact Pakistan’s image on the global stage.
HEC said that in light of this, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also expressed its reservations. Therefore, such initiatives should be stopped. No institution should engage in any such agreement or activity without obtaining prior consultation and authorization from the relevant ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed elaborated on the situation in an interview with Express. He clarified that this directive is specifically for the employees of government institutions. He highlighted that many individuals do not adhere to the law when national interests are involved.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2023.
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