ISLAMABAD, June 30: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Attaur Rehman has asked the vice-chancellors and heads of degree-awarding institutions in the public sector to adequately use the funds provided to them by the commission.

The HEC chairman was presiding over a meeting of the vice- chancellors of public-sector universities at the commission's main office on Wednesday, said an official statement.

During the meeting, Dr Rehman said: "All the public-sector universities of the country should be aware of the fact that the funds and grants allocated to them should be properly utilized and plans for the coming years be formulated keeping in view the future requirements of the academic world."

He also appreciated the efforts of the vice-chancellors in promotion of higher education in their respective universities. The HEC chairman, who is also the minister in charge of science and technology, suggested to all the vice-chancellors to come up with concrete plans and suggestions for further strengthening of academics.

The participants of the meeting from all over the country submitted their views and suggestions regarding the funds and grants allocated to them. They were highly appreciative of the initiatives taken by the HEC to promote higher education in the country.

All the vice-chancellors strongly induced their suggestions and agreed upon the fact that their efforts and capabilities could be utilized for enhancement of higher education sector.