NA Body Flags Governance Crisis in Education Sector

News Desk 

Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training on Thursday expressed serious concern over multiple unresolved administrative and academic issues that are hampering the smooth functioning of educational institutions.

The 19th meeting of the Committee was held under the convenorship of Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro at the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).

The Committee voiced grave concern over the deteriorating governance situation at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), Islamabad, noting persistent failure by the university administration to address officially reported grievances.

Members observed that the inaction reflects serious shortcomings in accountability, transparency and institutional oversight. Taking strong notice of the matter, the Committee resolved to visit FUUAST and convene a formal meeting on the university premises to directly examine the issues, engage stakeholders and initiate measures for the prompt redressal of grievances.

The Committee warned that continued delays, non-compliance with established procedures or failure to implement corrective measures would be viewed seriously, and stringent action would be recommended to ensure good governance, transparency and institutional integrity.

The Committee also took serious notice of the unexplained absence of the Executive Director (ED) NAVTTC from the meeting. Expressing strong displeasure, members noted that the ED neither attended the session nor formally informed the Committee in advance, terming it a disregard for parliamentary oversight and established protocols.

In view of the absence of the principal officer, the Committee unanimously decided not to proceed with the NAVTTC-related agenda, stating that effective scrutiny is not possible without the presence of the head of the organization.

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Although members were later informed that the ED was engaged in a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, the Committee questioned the claim and cautioned that any misrepresentation or provision of incorrect information would be treated as a serious breach. The Committee reiterated that attendance before parliamentary committees is mandatory and accountability must be upheld.

The Committee also expressed concern over recurring increases in fees charged by private schools, terming the practice exploitative and distressing for parents. It stressed that the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PIERA) must be fully empowered to regulate private schools, particularly regarding fee structures, transparency and curriculum compliance.

Members emphasized the need to strengthen PIERA through adequate human resources, technical capacity and enforcement powers to ensure effective accountability.

The Committee further noted with concern the mushroom growth of privately run schools operating in residential areas with inadequate infrastructure, raising questions about education quality, safety standards and the learning environment.

The Committee also highlighted a continuing leadership vacuum in key education bodies. It was informed that the Chairperson of PIERA has resigned, while the posts of Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Director General Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) remain vacant.

The Convenor observed that the absence of permanent leadership reflects prolonged administrative inertia and a lack of priority for the education sector.

Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro also expressed reservations over the Ministry’s failure to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in its true letter and spirit, despite Pakistan’s international commitments.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Anjum Aqeel Khan, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Zeb Jaffar, Farah Naz Akbar, Musarrat Asif Khwaja, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sabheen Ghoury and Zahra Wadood Fatemi, besides officials of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Higher Education Commission and other relevant departments.