Kakar seeks report on state-funded scholarships

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Tuesday directed for submission of a complete report on the outcome of government-funded scholarships, and also asked for removal of hurdles faced by the Pakistani students studying abroad in getting their scholarships.

Chairing a meeting on the Higher Education Commission (HEC) here, Kakar emphasized introduction of scholarships in technical and scientific subjects in accordance with global requirements.

He also underlined the need for bringing the higher education in the country in conformity with the contemporary and economic needs, said the PM Office Media Wing in a statement. The meeting was attended by Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi, Chairman HEC Dr Mukthar Ahmed, secretary education and other senior officials.

The prime minister was also briefed about the higher education, students scholarships, universities, and other related issues. He was apprised that a total of 259 higher education institutions in the country were recognized by the HEC whereas in the previous years, the number of universities of global standards had increased in Pakistan.

The meeting was told that so far, more than 20,000 scholarships had been awarded for PhD since the inception of HEC. The meeting was also informed about the formulated mechanism to control plagiarism in the education sector.

The PM observed that for promotion of human and technical resources, they would have to extend facility of stipends in the science and engineering subjects.

Kakar was also given a briefing on the formulated strategy between the academia and industry for joint collaboration.

He directed the relevant authorities to chalk out a mechanism for getting funding from the IT and pharmaceutical industry for carrying out research.

He also asked for holding of a joint meeting of all the provincial authorities to resolve the issues related to education.

Terming the provision of international standard education critical for the country’s development, the prime minister emphasised the need for launching a training programme for skilled manpower in the country, particularly for nurses.

He said the country’s workforce was a huge asset and through trained manpower, they could carve a place in the international market.

He was also apprised about the measures taken by the HEC in the IT sector, which included establishment of latest data centers in Lahore and Karachi, and use of latest supercomputer and other programmes.

Meanwhile, the caretaker prime minister asked the overseas Pakistanis to invest in Pakistan assuring them the government will provide them with all possible help and facilities in this regard.

Talking to a delegation of overseas Pakistanis that called on him here, the prime minister said overseas Pakistanis were a precious asset that played a key role in the country›s economy.

He said transfer of remittances of overseas Pakistanis through a legal and safe channel was very important for the country›s development and encouraged them to transfer their funds through the Roshan Digital Pakistan Account.

APP adds: Meanwhile, Interim Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah Tuesday called on caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and discussed matters related to his ministry, the PM Office said.

Various steps to promote art and culture in the country also came under discussion.

Meantime, in a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Dr Jamshid Khodjaev, Kakar underscored that easy visa procedures, improved banking channels and reciprocal warehousing facilities would further boost trade between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek deputy prime minister met with the premier heading a delegation.

Kakar expressed the hope that the business community of both countries could easily achieve the bilateral trade target of US$ 1 billion in a short time.

He welcomed the Uzbek deputy prime minister and his delegation to Pakistan and recalled his recent meeting with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyovev on the sidelines of the 16th ECO Summit held in Tashkent from November 8-9.

He expressed satisfaction at the pace of bilateral engagements between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, defence and connectivity. He also appreciated the holding of the First Trilateral Meeting of the Commerce Ministers of Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in Islamabad.