Edu Panel Demands Transparent University Ownership

Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: Plans to establish new private universities in Pakistan are set to face tougher scrutiny after the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education raised concerns over hidden ownership, financial interests and academic quality in the approval process.

The committee’s concerns emerged during a review of six private university bills on Monday, with lawmakers using the proceedings to call for greater transparency and stronger regulatory safeguards in higher education.

At the centre of the discussion was the ownership of proposed universities. Members questioned whether the individuals sponsoring university bills were always the actual financial backers, warning that undisclosed commercial interests could influence the expansion of private higher education.

Committee Chairman Dr Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi said the motives behind some proposals appeared to be driven more by business interests than educational objectives.

The committee subsequently agreed that future private university bills should carry a standardised ownership disclosure sheet. The document would identify members of the Board of Governors or Directors, specify the institution’s legal status — whether a trust, NGO or SECP-registered company — and provide details of its financial sources.

Lawmakers also examined the existing approval mechanism for new universities. The Higher Education Commission remains responsible for assessing proposed institutions and issuing the required NOC after reviewing their infrastructure and financial viability.

The Law Ministry subsequently examines the legislation for legal compliance before parliamentary consideration, while certain proposals may also receive prior approval from the Federal Cabinet.

The HEC told the committee that passage of a university bill by Parliament does not automatically mean the institution has met all academic requirements. A final NOC is issued only after physical inspection of facilities, including faculty strength, libraries and laboratories.

The debate expanded beyond private universities, with lawmakers questioning whether Pakistan should continue expanding higher education without first addressing weaknesses in the primary and secondary school systems.

While some members called for greater investment in foundational education, others maintained that private-sector participation in higher education should continue, provided institutions operate under strict regulation and clearly defined academic standards.

The committee also opposed the proposed introduction of the Cambridge system in selected public colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education. Members argued that Pakistan’s own examination boards should be strengthened and upgraded to international standards rather than replaced by a foreign examination system.

No individual university bill was approved during the meeting. However, the proceedings indicated that the committee intends to take a more active role in scrutinising future higher education proposals, particularly their ownership, financing, academic capacity and long-term viability.