ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training convened at the Parliament House under the leadership of Senator Bushra Anjum Butt to deliberate on pivotal educational projects and legislative measures. The meeting, attended by several senators and departmental representatives, focused primarily on the proposed funding for a Center of Excellence for Autism in Islamabad and other educational initiatives.
A significant portion of the discussions centered around the Center of Excellence for Autism, earmarked for the H-9/4 area of Islamabad. The proposed Public Sector Development Program for 2025-26 outlines a total estimated cost of Rs 2,730.709 million, with a substantial allocation of Rs 2,336.000 million for the upcoming fiscal year. The project is slated for completion within 24 months. Senator Butt stressed the necessity of world-class facilities, emphasizing that standards must meet international benchmarks to adequately support children with autism.
In addition to autism-related initiatives, the committee scrutinized nutrition standards in educational institutions, specifically those run by the Allah Walay Trust. Senator Butt demanded detailed information regarding the nutritional content of meals served, asserting that nutrient-rich food should be a mandatory standard.
The committee also received updates on nationwide educational schemes, including digital transformation projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the establishment of lab institutions, and the introduction of school support specialists. Notable ongoing projects reviewed include the enrollment and retention of out-of-school children in Islamabad, with a budget of Rs 978.000 million, and the establishment of Daanish School in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
Legislative oversight was also a topic of discussion. The committee deferred the Private Member Bill concerning federal supervision of curricula and textbooks, pending ministry approval. Senator Butt called for consultations with the Islamic Council of Ideology, urging a report submission within two weeks.
The issue of delayed degrees from the Higher Education Commission was highlighted, affecting approximately 25,000 students. Senator Butt expressed concern over the delay and emphasized the urgency of issuing at least a portion of the pending degrees to alleviate student distress.
The affiliation of a law college with Shah Abdul Latif University was reviewed, with the committee deciding to summon stakeholders for a detailed briefing on the issues at hand.
Lastly, due to the absence of their respective movers, the committee deferred two university bills: the University of Business Sciences and Technology Bill 2025 and the Nexus International University of Health, Emerging Sciences and Technology Islamabad Bill 2024.