Senate body grants conditional approval to university of business, sciences and technology bill

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training on Friday granted conditional approval to ‘The University of Business, Sciences and Technology Bill, 2025’ subject to fulfilment of HEC criteria, verified land documentation, and clarity on administrative compliance.

The committee meeting, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt here on Friday, expressed concern that despite the agenda being of utmost importance, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training was absent, as has been the case for the past four to five weeks.

The panel 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. Two members of the committee voted in favour, 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 organisations through HEC, the committee discussed utilisation rates, quota distribution, especially for Balochistan, and nomination criteria. The Chairperson noted issues with low utilisation, 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 and recommended that an inquiry be initiated so that the grievances of the complainants could 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, and misuse of authority, workplace victimisation, and selective inquiries.

The Chairperson emphasised 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.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025