Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training announced the successful reinstatement of 137 previously dismissed teachers, marking a significant achievement following months of daily hearings. Chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, the committee emphasized its commitment to supporting individuals facing educational challenges, particularly the youth, during a meeting at the Parliament House.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the reinstatement process, which was officially completed on November 18, 2024, had been stalled for years. Senator Butt clarified that the recent momentum was due to the committee’s persistent efforts, countering media reports that credited the Ministry alone for the initiative. She expressed her dissatisfaction with media misinformation and imposed a formal ban on the outlet responsible for the misleading information.

Key agenda items discussed at the meeting included a Private Members Bill on Educational Curriculum, led by Senator Qurat-ul-Ain Marri. A subcommittee was formed to scrutinize the Federal Supervision of Curricula, Textbooks, and Maintenance of Standards of Education (Amendment) Bill 2024, with a focus on incorporating mental health and reproductive health education into the national curriculum.

Senator Shahadut Awan raised a starred question on scholarships, prompting the committee to instruct the Higher Education Commission to expedite its response. Concerns were also addressed regarding derogatory remarks about Pashtuns in O-level textbooks, leading to a formal apology from the author and the removal of the textbooks from the market.

Furthermore, a briefing by the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF) highlighted the organization’s performance and scholarship status. Senator Butt called for an official audit report and the appointment of a permanent CEO to ensure effective operations. The meeting was attended by several senators and representatives from relevant departments.