Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training convened at Parliament House to discuss key issues impacting education, including a university bill, quota for free education, degree attestation problems, and allegations of paper leaks in Cambridge examinations. Chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, the committee reviewed these matters to enhance educational policies and their implementation.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee evaluated The Iqra Global University Bill, 2026, which faced objections from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) regarding its procedural route. Despite these concerns, the committee approved the bill, contingent on meeting HEC’s stipulations. Additionally, the committee addressed the non-implementation of a 10 percent free education quota in Islamabad’s private schools, urging stricter enforcement and expanded eligibility to include registered out-of-school children.

The committee tackled issues concerning the non-attestation of certain university degrees, with HEC forming a new scrutiny committee to expedite resolution. Concerns over Cambridge A-Level examination paper leaks were also discussed, with the committee emphasizing collaboration with Cambridge authorities to protect students’ rights.

Further discussions included the policy framework for visually impaired persons and a deferred report on the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC). The committee also acknowledged a Karachi volunteer initiative promoting financial literacy, encouraging coordination with educational institutions for broader outreach.

The meeting concluded with directives for stakeholders to implement recommendations and report progress in future meetings.