HEC chief seeks funding from provinces
PHOTO: FILE
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.
“A strategy is being implemented to allow universities, both public and private, that excel in providing quality education to open campuses in foreign countries.”
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's significant financial support to its universities and stressed the need for 100% provision of standard and quality education in higher education institutions.
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“Despite HEC's budget remaining unchanged since 2018, efforts are being made to strengthen the education system.” 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.
“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.”
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.
“To finalise the affiliation policy, a meeting of vice-chancellors is being called.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2023.
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Published in The Express Tribune, December 16th, 2023.