- The matter was referred to the Senate finance and privileges committees for scrutiny.
- They announce visits to provincial universities and councils to guarantee compliance.
- Concerns about fake degrees are addressed; A permanent verification counter at HEC is coming soon.
The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Vocational Training declared the recent meeting of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) null and void, terming it as held with malicious intent, against the prescribed rules and without the approval of the President.
The committee, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, took the matter very seriously.
“The vice-chancellor going beyond the rules is not bigger than the system,” Senator Butt said, questioning the continued operation of a vice-chancellor investigated for alleged breaches of the rules.
He also expressed concern over reports that the vice-chancellor was attempting to treat his position as an inherited right and facilitating his sister’s appointment.
The committee declared her retired and referred her absence to previous meetings of the Privileges Committee.
Senator Butt further questioned the opening of a shelter with only six months left in the Vice Chancellor’s term and referred the case to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance to examine whether the action exceeded legal authority.
“These actions are not against any person in particular, but against the rules of ownership of public institutions such as private businesses,” he said, emphasizing that the committee’s position would be an example for future vice chancellors.
He announced provincial visits to universities to ensure institutions are complying with the rules and confirmed that town halls will be held to achieve a broader understanding beyond the Chancellors’ reports.
Addressing concerns over fake degrees, he said, “Students will not pay for our negligence. We will collect accurate data on unverified institutions and ensure that students get the rights due to them.”
A permanent help desk will be established immediately at the Higher Education Commission.
The committee also reviewed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and found that 71,000 students were trained in 2025 with an annual budget of Rs 7,000 crore.
Discrepancies raised by a south Punjab student regarding training assignments prompted the President to form a sub-committee, headed by Senator Kamran Murtaza, to investigate possible malfeasance and hold responsible parties accountable.
