Higher education: Foreign assistance in K-P, FATA emphasised

PESHAWAR:

A four member delegation of the European Union called on the Vice-Chancellor of University of Peshawar (UoP) Dr Azmat Hayat Khan, and discussed with him the status and challenges of higher education in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

The Deputy Head of Delegation to Pakistan Pierre Mayaudon headed the delegation. The Vice-Chancellor informed the delegation that security is their main concern and the university has invested heavily in boosting internal security for students’ safety. He added that due to prevailing terrorism, it has been very difficult for them to organize International Conferences, while the enrolment of foreign students has decreased drastically as well.

Mayaudon said that the EU wants to assist the UoP in different areas and their visit aims to identify areas for future cooperation. He also stated that a high-level meeting would be arranged by the EU to discuss corrective measures for issues confronted by Higher Education Institutions.

Hayat stated as most of the students can not bear their living expenses and fees, it becomes a challenge for the university which is doing all it can to help them financially. However, foreign donors and organisations also need to come forward to boost prospects of higher education in K-P, FATA and the neighbouring Afghanistan.

Azmat said that Pakistani universities are facing the worst financial crisis due to which most of the developmental projects are at a stand still. He said it had become very difficult for them to pay the increased salaries.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2011.