HEC Awards Scholarships Purely on Merit – Strict Action is Taken against Universities that Violate Rules – Chairman @ Serena’s Raabta Discussion

Tazeen Akhtar

Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmad has said that he is father of 5 and no one is availing any scholarship through HEC. He said that 3 thousand Pakistani students are studying abroad on the scholarship provided by HEC. Everything is not negative or bad in Pakistani institutes and departments. Good work is also done there and media is supposed to highlight the good work as well.

To a question about why the VCs are not being posted in Allama Iqbal Open University and University of Gujrat? He replied that there are 5 members in the committee that decides postings of VCs. My single vote is not enough to decide any posting.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that Pakistan is number one in the world in winning the international scholarships. Pakistan has left India behind inspite of India’s big number of students than Pakistan. Our students have won 147 international scholarships this year as well maintaining our number one position.

Serena Hotels under its Public Diplomacy initiative Raabta hosted a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities surrounding access to higher education in Pakistan. Due to limited access, and or lack of awareness amongst the talented students it hinders social mobility, perpetuates inequality, and constrains the country’s progress.

The panel discussion brought together experts, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to explore the barriers, discuss effective strategies and propose actionable recommendations to enhance access to higher education in Pakistan.

The moderator of Raabta, Sidra Iqbal, a vocal advocate of social issues related to gender inclusion and diversity, curated the event. The event was attended by members of academia, non-profits’ representatives working for education outreach, members of diplomatic missions, government officials and students from various colleges and universities.

The panel comprised of eminent educators, policymakers; Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-rector Academics NUST, Mr. Saleem Abdul Razaque, Programme Director USEFP, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Chairman Higher Education Commission Pakistan and Ms. Sarah Pervez, Head of Education, British Council.

The discussion revolved around the work of various frameworks & institutions in providing education on all levels, including the role of the higher education commission in creating opportunities which are inclusive for all genders.

A Q & A session followed the discussion that engaged the audience, comprising of students from various educational institutions, were responded with by the panel of experts and were informed about various outreach programmes that are available, for future leaders of tomorrow. The discussion was broadcast live for those who were unable to attend in person to ensure access to the discourse for all wishing to participate.

Editor Tazeen Akhtar representing the parents of the students shared, “The parents are hardly paying the fee of their sons and daughters but the question is “universities and the system is reciprocating amicably to them or not? They complain that the scholarships are given to near and dear ones including the kith and kin of officials of HEC. Here private universities are running their campuses in the markets. How they get charter and what action has been taken against them? Al-Khair University is the example. This so called university was declared illegal but its degree holders are still serving in PTV and other gov departments. Even the Director General of National Accountability Bureau of Lahore was appointed on the degree of Al-Khair.”

Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad replied, ” All scholarships are allotted purely on merit and that I assure you with complete responsibility and confidence. As long as, private universities violating the rules and regulations are concerned, we have taken strict action against many campuses of the universities, private as well as public.”

Dr. Mukhtar said, ” Al-Khair university issued 98 thousand degrees. I took notice in my previous term as the chairman but later on I was transferred and the matter was put aside.”

Chairman said, ” I remained under persecution for four years due to my actions against the violators of the rules and regulations. Now in my second term, we are doing our best to do whatever is in our circle of powers and mandate. HEC is not all alone decision maker body. We are, in most cases, just a facilitator. The universities are supposed to correct their working and provide a conducive environment and proper faculty to their students.”