Is Pakistan's Higher Education System Crippled with Deficiencies?
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Synopsis
A new report highlights the alarming deficiencies within Pakistan's higher education system, revealing how the Higher Education Commission has strayed from its core mission. With bureaucratic distractions and lack of clear direction, the future of higher education in Pakistan hangs in the balance. What must be done to refocus on quality and access?
Key Takeaways
- HEC's core mission is to enhance access and quality in higher education.
- Administrative deficiencies hinder progress.
- Involvement in secondary activities distracts from primary responsibilities.
- Urgent refocus on important issues is necessary for improvement.
- Government budget for higher education has stagnated since 2017.
Islamabad, Aug 6 (NationPress) Despite the primary goal of Pakistan's Higher Education Commission (HEC) being the enhancement of access and quality within the nation's higher education sector, it remains hindered by administrative and organizational flaws stemming from poor decisions, systemic gaps, and a lack of clear direction, as reported by local media on Wednesday.
"Over time, the HEC has strayed from its mission, now engaging in internship programs, laptop distribution initiatives, career planning workshops, CV and interview preparation sessions, communication skills training, and university staff development. A recent illustrative example is the launch of a hologram of the HEC chair at an event dubbed 'Pakistan Digital Leap,'" detailed a report from Pakistan's prominent daily 'The News International.'
This, it stated, has caused a significant shift away from its original objectives.
"These tasks are not the responsibilities of a regulatory body but rather of universities themselves. Regulators should establish expectations and outline KPIs, allowing universities to take ownership and function as over 200 distinct labs, each adopting the most suitable approach for their specific context. The HEC has been entangled in activities of secondary and tertiary importance," it emphasized.
The report indicated that the Commission's primary goals should encompass the appointment of its chairperson, advocating for budgetary support for public universities, and initiatives aimed at positively impacting students, all of which have been overshadowed by distractions.
In recent years, various governments in Pakistan have professed to support higher education, yet they have not boosted budget allocations since 2017. Additionally, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) has taken control of the HEC, with bureaucrats lacking formal training in higher education and inadequate understanding of the sector. Conversely, the HEC chairs tend to prioritize appeasing MoFEPT officials.
The report pointed out that there have been excessive flashy distractions while basic issues hindering the improvement of higher education have been neglected. It noted that bureaucrats pursuing quick wins during their brief tenures, along with HEC chairs and Vice Chancellors focused on pleasing superiors and seeking future job opportunities, have contributed to the current predicament.
"The HEC must urgently realign with its core mission ... Progress will necessitate a shift away from the short-term decision-making encouraged by the current framework, requiring aspiring HEC chairpersons (and VCs) to present concrete plans for their tenure, followed by adequate time and space for execution. In the interim, peripheral initiatives should be delegated to other government offices," concluded the report from The News International.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize that the challenges faced by Pakistan's higher education system require urgent attention. The HEC must return to its fundamental responsibilities to truly uplift the educational landscape. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to forge a path forward, ensuring that our institutions foster excellence and innovation.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main issues facing Pakistan's higher education system?
The primary issues include administrative flaws, a lack of clear direction, and distractions from the core mission of enhancing access and quality in higher education.
How has the role of the HEC changed over the years?
Over the years, the HEC has become involved in various activities beyond its regulatory role, such as internship programs and workshops, leading to a deviation from its primary goals.
What should be the focus of the HEC moving forward?
The HEC should refocus on its core responsibilities, such as appointing its chairperson and advocating for budgetary support for public universities, while leaving peripheral initiatives to other government offices.
Have government funding levels for higher education changed recently?
No, there has been no increase in budgetary allocation for higher education since 2017, despite claims from successive governments to champion the cause.
What impact does bureaucracy have on the HEC's effectiveness?
Bureaucrats lacking formal training in higher education often lead to ineffective management and decision-making, which undermines the HEC's mission.
