Varsities cautioned about foreign NGOs

VCs told to seek prior permission from Foreign Office

LAHORE:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has barred all public and private sector universities from contacting international NGOs without permission from the Foreign Office.

According to sources, the commission has informed the vice chancellors of its affiliated universities that the foreign affairs ministry has expressed reservations over the matter.

However, some university administrators say the decision could affect the autonomy and academic activities of the institutions.

The sources said the HEC was also concerned over contracts of public sector universities with foreign NGOs and donor organisations.

As per the letter sent by HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad to the VCs, many universities of the country are in contracts and collaboration with United Nations and international NGOs, including on political and 'senstive' issues.

It stated that the foreign ministry had several times communicated to the HEC its objections and reservations over the activities, alleging that the universities were not presenting a good image of the country to international NGOs.

However, the universities may enter such contracts after getting permission from the Foreign Office.

Objecting to the vice instruction, a VC said the HEC was increasing the difficulties of the universities rather than resolving them.

"Development projects in universities have stopped and both the students and teachers are suffering due to lack of funds. If some universities are trying to run their affairs with cooperation of international NGOs then the HEC has come up with steps that will increase their difficulties reduce their autonomy," said the VC of a government university. He termed it a tactic of the bureaucracy to increase its influence on universities.

A senior professor of the GCU said the HEC was a regulatory body meant to provide advice and guidance.

He said the commission was run by learned people who could decide themselves what was in the interest of the country.

Public sector universities in the country are obligated to follow HEC instructions. In addition to this, it is also the responsibility of Vice Chancellors to comply with all such instructions related to the country's image and our international standing. In the past, public sector universities have received such instructions whenever HEC felt that universities were deviating from their intended path.

“Our nation is facing numerous challenges, and it is of utmost importance that we present a positive image of our country on the international stage. This will not only enhance the reputation of our universities but also contribute to the country's overall improvement,” he remarked.

“However, it is disheartening to note that some individuals within the teaching community fail to grasp the sensitivity of the country's situation. They express their own viewpoints when engaging with international NGOs. We, the neutral teaching community, stand in support of HEC's instructions that have been issued to all affiliated universities. We also urge HEC to enforce their guidelines rigorously and provide clear instructions for engagements with international NGOs after obtaining permission.

Dr Munawar Sabir, Director of the Geography Department at Punjab University Lahore, expressed these sentiments.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2023.