ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, convened a meeting to address key reforms in governance, gender inclusion, and accountability within the federal education sector. The session was attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Khalida Ateeb, and Rahat Jamali.
According to Senate of Pakistan, a significant agenda item was enforcing 33% women’s representation across Federal Boards and affiliated entities, following a briefing from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) that revealed a gender imbalance. The Committee mandated an immediate restructuring of the HEC board to ensure greater gender parity. Senator Butt expressed dissatisfaction with the current underrepresentation of women, advocating for institutional ownership of gender parity initiatives.
Senator Kamran Murtaza raised concerns about fixed gender quotas potentially compromising merit, urging that qualified women be prioritized for vacant positions. The Committee also reviewed the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training’s budget allocations, noting substantial progress in ongoing development projects and the execution of major initiatives by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).
Future initiatives discussed included the establishment of a Daanish School in Sohbatpur, digital transformation efforts, and the solarization plan for educational institutions. The Committee addressed infrastructure gaps and teacher shortages, directing expedited recruitment and interim hiring measures.
Attention was given to the issue of degree attestation for students of Al-Khair University and Global University, with the Committee directing the HEC to prioritize resolution and operationalize a help desk for affected students. Concerns over textbook delivery delays were also raised, with directives issued for timely distribution to students.
Senator Butt emphasized strict oversight and accountability in light of substantial public funds allocated to education, announcing plans for on-site sessions to evaluate institutional performance. The meeting concluded with a commitment to institutional reform, improved governance, and merit-based inclusive representation in the education sector.