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ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (APP):The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, on Friday chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, demanded the accountability of PIFD Vice Chancellor remained in office for 25 years, who created governance and accountability issues which also reflecting departmental negligence.
Senators Masroor Ahsan, Kamran Murtaza, Shahadat Awan, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Abdul Shakoor Khan, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, and senior officials from the relevant departments were attended the meeting, said a press release.
The committee considered the Private Member’s Bill titled “The University of Business, Sciences and Technology Bill, 2025,” moved by Senator Shakoor Khan.
The Chairperson clarified that while the committee does not question the intentions behind establishing the university, its duty is to ensure that higher-education initiatives in Balochistan fully comply with legal and regulatory requirements so that students are not put at risk.
She referred to past cases where sub-campuses were declared unapproved by the Higher Education Commission, leaving thousands of students unable to get their degrees attested. Conditional approval was granted pending complete adherence to HEC criteria, verifiable land documentation, and clarity on compliance matters. Two members of the committee voted in favor, acknowledging that the bill stands approved conditionally as outlined during the meeting.
On Question No. 30 raised by Senator Shahadat Awan regarding scholarships offered to Pakistani students by foreign countries and international organizations through HEC, the committee discussed utilization rates, quota distribution, especially for Balochistan, and nomination criteria.
The Chairperson noted issues with low utilization, visa-related lapses, and unclear documentation processes and directed HEC to submit a detailed written response covering scholarship distribution, lapsed cases, selection mechanisms, and students who signed scholarship bonds. She further instructed that the matter be time-bound and that HEC provide recommendations for improving scholarship utilization in the next meeting.
The committee reviewed PSDP 2025–26 allocations for new HEC schemes and projects, including regional allocations, readiness, financial requirements, and expected outcomes.
The Chairperson highlighted that no new schemes have been proposed for Balochistan, stressing that future allocations must prioritize underserved provinces and ensure need-based equity, timely implementation, and sensitivity toward regions facing hardships.
A detailed review was conducted on the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of PIFD, the updated PIFD Amendment Act, and pending employee records for the past five years.
There were complaints regarding the misuse of public funds, and it was noted that the Vice Chancellor had remained in office for 25 years. Based on these complaints, the committee held deliberations today and recommended that an inquiry be initiated so that the grievances of the complainants can come forward. It was also recommended that the VC step aside until the inquiry is completed, and that the inquiry report be submitted within one month, before her tenure ends in January.
The Chairperson expressed serious concern that the VC has remained in office for 25 years, creating governance and accountability issues and reflecting departmental negligence.
Multiple complaints were presented in the meeting by two complainants, including allegations related to tenders, payments, rent, misuse of authority, workplace victimization, and selective inquiries.
The Chairperson emphasized that these matters involve public funds and internal hiring practices and must be fully scrutinized. She clarified that this is not merely about two complaints and that such positions cannot operate as a family entitlement. All relevant records, including recruitment data, performance assessments, inquiry details, and correspondence, were directed to be submitted promptly. It was recommended that the VC step aside, with the assurance that she would receive a clear chit once grievances are addressed, and the Ministry was directed to report back with the necessary documentation.
The committee also reviewed the report on the appointment of the new Chairperson of PIERA and the settlement of extra fee collection from students of private institutions and schools. The Chairperson noted the pending NOC issued on 5 August and 42 observations related to salaries and appointments, emphasizing transparency and instructing that all records be made available for audit and verification. Officers clarified that reinstatements had been made under court orders.
Finally, the committee assessed the implementation of its earlier recommendations regarding degree attestation through the proposed HEC Help Desk. The Chairperson requested a detailed update on its activation and records of individual student cases, directing HEC to submit a complete report while ensuring compliance with relevant Acts and regulations.