The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, has taken major steps to improve Pakistan’s education sector. Over the 2024-25 parliamentary year, the committee held eight meetings totaling 25 hours, focusing on legislative reforms, student welfare, and faculty rights.
Key Legislative Reforms
The committee reviewed several education-related bills to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education system. Among them were:
- International Institute of Technology Culture and Health Sciences Bill, 2024
- Wapda University Islamabad Bill, 2024
Additionally, four other bills, including the Federal Supervision of Curricula, Text-books and Maintenance of Standards of Education (Amendment) Bill, 2024, remain under discussion to further refine academic policies.
Addressing Key Educational Challenges
The committee took on six critical education issues, presenting reports on three and continuing work on the remaining. Some of the most notable resolutions include:
- Resolving Balochistan University Salary Crisis: The committee swiftly ended the hunger strike by academic staff over unpaid salaries, ensuring timely payments.
- Banning Controversial O-Level Urdu Textbook: A textbook containing derogatory remarks about Pashtuns was banned nationwide after strong intervention. The publisher and author issued an official apology.
- Revival of Student Unions: The committee successfully pushed for the reinstatement of student unions in universities, restoring student representation in academic institutions.
Regularizing Teachers & Faculty Rights
A major achievement was securing permanent jobs for:
- 137 teachers under the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE)
- Lecturers at Balochistan University
This move provided financial security and ensured stability in Pakistan’s education sector.
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Reforms
The committee also tackled bureaucratic delays affecting students and faculty:
- Expedited Degree Attestation: Thousands of students finally received their attested degrees, removing a major hurdle in career progression.
- Resolved IRSIP Delays: The International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) faced processing delays, but committee intervention ensured timely approvals for students.
Financial Support for Retired Professors
Retired Federal Urdu University (FUUAST) professors had been waiting for their pensions for a long time. Due to persistent follow-ups, they finally received their rightful payments, setting a precedent for financial accountability in academic institutions.
Future Goals of the Committee
Under Senator Bushra Anjum Butt’s leadership, the committee is committed to:
✔ Filling key educational leadership roles with permanent professionals
✔ Enhancing curriculum reforms for modern education
✔ Improving faculty job security
✔ Ensuring transparent academic governance
The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training remains dedicated to transforming Pakistan’s education system with strong policies, financial accountability, and student-friendly initiatives.
