Education cuts

The decision to slash the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) budget from Rs65 billion to a mere Rs25 billion and restrict its funding solely to federal universities has sparked outrage and deep apprehension within the academic community and among concerned citizens nationwide. The HEC has been instrumental in driving academic excellence, promoting research and innovation and ensuring quality standards in higher education institutions across Pakistan. However, the severe budget cuts imposed on the HEC undermine its ability to fulfill its vital mandate effectively. By limiting funding to federal universities only, this decision neglects the needs and aspirations of students and academic institutions in the provinces, further exacerbating regional disparities in access to quality education and research opportunities.

There is a pressing need for a thorough review of the policies and practices governing higher education funding and governance to ensure equitable access to quality education and research opportunities for all Pakistanis, irrespective of their geographic location or institutional affiliation. The provincial HECs should prioritize continuous improvement in services rendered while the authority for degree attestation and policymaking should be promptly devolved to the provincial HECs.

Dr Intikhab Ulfat

Karachi