Press Release Title: Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 22nd October, 2026

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training was held today at Parliament House, Chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt.   The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Rahat Jamali, Senator Khalida Ateeb, and Senator Jan Muhammad. Key officials including the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education, the Vice Chancellor of FUUAST, the Vice Chancellor of Al-Khair University, and other relevant officers were also in attendance.  The Chairperson warmly welcomed a delegation of 30 young women leaders from across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), participating through the Forum for Dignity Initiative to observe parliamentary business. She emphasized that her office remains open to youth for internships and values fresh perspectives and innovative suggestions and she highlighted the importance of stakeholder involvement, she noted that educational and parliamentary systems can only improve by incorporating feedback from those directly experiencing the system. The committee reviewed longstanding grievances concerning HEC degree attestation, focusing on conflicts arising from 2014 and 2025 Supreme Court and High Court decisions regarding Al-Khair University student relief. The committee was briefed that out of 75,894 graduates in 2018, HEC recognized 64,379 degrees, while 11,515 graduates from affiliated colleges were required to pass a comprehensive test.  The paperless online degree attestation system launched on May 11, 2026, has processed 73,146 cases covering 139,021 academic documents.  To resolve the issue as per court directives, the Chairperson instructed the VC of Al-Khair University and the Chairman HEC to coordinate and settle the matter before the next committee session.  The committee discussed that HEC conducted a national computer competency test across 165 centers in 12 cities for students in the 7th and 8th semesters. Consequently, fresh admissions were suspended for specific computing related programs at 44 institutions pending review. The committee noted inconsistencies in testing implementation, as some universities tested large cohorts while others tested few or none, resulting in widespread admission bans. The Serious concern was raised by the committee over the abrupt suspension affecting approximately 30,000 students and compounding financial strains on universities.Out of 188 institutions, only 56 are accredited.The committee mandated that future admissions require prior accreditation. The committee further discussed the legal validity of decisions made by university statutory bodies when required quorums were absent, The committee directed that meetings of the Senate and Syndicate must strictly adhere to applicable laws and quorum requirements.Any meetings, proceedings, or minutes conducted without a proper quorum are deemed null and void with no legal effect.  Strict compliance with statutory laws and quorum requirements is mandatory prior to implementing decisions.  An inquiry report regarding university statutory decisions was also submitted to the committee to be reviewed in line with FUUAST's Senate special committee findings. The committee addressed complaints regarding administrative actions which includes actions against faculty members (including Assistant Professors), and the withholding of salaries at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), Karachi. The Chairperson directly heard grievances from affected staff.  The committee further examined the Administrative errors as contributing to grievances, protests, show-cause notices, and FIRs against faculty members. Concern was raised at the ad-hoc nature of appointments and the cancellation or targeting of certain faculty and minority members.  The committee was also briefed about the Instances of teachers' salaries being halted for 15 to 16 months based on biometric records without proper committee procedures or show-cause notices were reviewed.  The committee recommended releasing withheld salaries unless charges are formally proven, emphasizing that penalties and salary stops must not precede due process. Officials were urged to avoid personal mudslinging or unverified targeting.  The implementation of the mandatory 10% quota for free education for poor and needy students by private educational institutions under the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) was also discussed in the committee, Members noted that related matters are currently challenged in the Islamabad High Court, with ongoing hearings granting institutions additional time to comply. Expressing concern over institutional boundaries, committee members questioned why the court intervened in a matter actively listed on the parliament's standing committee agenda, noting that the Senate as legislature respects the separation of powers by refraining from interference in court proceedings. Degree Verification and Fee Regulation Standard operating procedures for verifying student records and documents were reviewed by the committee and the Chairperson directed that Institutions must follow established protocols without imposing unauthorized or excessive charges.The Chairperson issued strict directives that any unlawful fees collected from students will lead to the matter being referred to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).  The Vice Chancellor of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Karachi, briefed the committee on administrative postings, clarifying that allocations are conducted strictly on a need-assessment basis to manage staff shortages rather than target individuals.No formal written allegations were issued against specific personnel.The Chairperson also directed that married couples working within the same organization should be accommodated with joint postings wherever feasible.  The Chairperson expressed strong displeasure over the continuous absence of the Federal Minister from standing committee meetings, as well as the absence of the Vice Chancellor of PIMSAT, directing that a show-cause notice be issued to the VC.   The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to upholding transparency, protecting student and employee rights, and ensuring strict accountability across all educational and regulatory institutions.