The committee discussed the bill titled “The University of Management and Technology Lahore, Bill 2023”, which asked if the prerequisites for the varsity had been completed.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training was given a three-month deadline by a parliamentary panel on Thursday to develop a comprehensive plan for filling open academic chairs in foreign countries.
In addition to other agenda items, the Senate Standing Committee on Education discussed the issue of vacant chairs in numerous universities around the world during its meeting here, which was presided over by Senator Irfan Siddiqui.
The same committee discussed this issue on March 28 and bemoaned the sorry state of affairs, noting that despite the passage of time, at least 14 foreign chairs at universities around the world remained vacant.
Given that those appointed to these chairs would have served as education ambassadors to promote both academic ties and Pakistan’s soft image, the committee had suggested that a thorough investigation was necessary to determine who was to blame for this apathetic attitude.
It is important to note that the most recent vacancy occurred in 2015. The committee was informed of the current situation of the academic chairs that have been vacant in various academic institutions for more than ten years as it took up the matter.
Waseem Ajmal, the federal education and professional training secretary, informed the committee that at least nine universities have been asked to approve the revised memorandum of understanding that was approved by the cabinet.
The posts in Kazakhstan and Iran will soon be advertised, he added, noting that both countries have ratified the Memorandum of Understanding.
Senator Siddiqui gave the ministry three months to develop a thorough plan to fill the vacant chairs in the other nations. Additionally, he asked Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad to stay up to date on developments and request an update from the ministry every ten days in this regard.
The committee discussed the matter of the University of Peshawar, which was closed after its security in-charge was gunned down. Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi stated that faculty members and students had raised objections over the composition of the committee, but the university did not make any efforts to resolve the matter.
Senator Siddiqui also directed the HEC to submit details of universities funded by the commission and measures taken for their financial independence. The committee also discussed the bill titled “The University of Management and Technology Lahore, Bill 2023”, which asked if the prerequisites for the varsity had been completed.
The HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad stated that the University of Management and Technology could not be established in Islamabad. The committee also unanimously disposed of three bills, including the Harbour Institute of Management Sciences and Technology Bill and The Orient Institute of Science and Technology Gwadar Bill.
Senator Irfan Siddiqui raised the issue of female teachers who have been removed from their jobs after seven-eight years in academic institutions of Islamabad. He suggested that alternate jobs opportunities should be provided to these laid-off teachers.