Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Bushra Anjum Butt, convened at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad, to deliberate on significant government bills and issues concerning educational reforms, governance, accessibility for students with disabilities, degree attestation, and examination transparency. The committee unanimously passed all government bills referred by the Senate.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the committee highlighted the significance of uniform 33 percent women representation across federal boards and related entities, emphasizing women’s participation in decision-making. The deliberations included amendments to several acts to ensure this representation, aligning with the Prime Minister’s directive. The proposed legislative changes, vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aim at enhancing governance in educational institutions.
Amendments to acts such as the National Rahmatul-Lil-Aalameen Wa Khatamun Nabiyyin Authority Act, 2022, and the Centre for Clinical Psychology Centres Act, 1983, were approved, incorporating mandatory women representation. The committee also endorsed changes to the National Textile University, Faisalabad Act, 2025, and the Area Study Centres Act, 1975, to reflect this commitment to inclusivity.
Further, the committee approved amendments to the NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology Multan Act, 2012, which included renaming the institute and revising its governance structure. The committee discussed provisions for visually impaired students in board examinations and reviewed the implementation of an online degree attestation system by the Higher Education Commission.
Addressing examination security, the committee expressed concerns over recurring paper leak allegations in Cambridge examinations, urging for transparency and accountability. The meeting was attended by several senators and senior officials from associated departments, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing educational challenges.