POLITICAL interference in justice and education sectors is not new in Pakistan. Interference in the education sector, especially in universities, is gradually increasing and badly damaging the autonomy of universities.

If you examine university rankings by the Higher Education Commission, you will find private sector universities on top. The main reason for poor performance by public universities is interference by politicians who have their own vested interests, including corruption, besides pleasing their voters instead of promoting education.

A majority of our politicians are less educated, but are powerful enough to influence policy about the standard of education.

These political decisions marginalise the role and contribution of professionals and impact negatively on policy formulation and implementation.

Although the HEC has formulated policies to ensure the autonomy of universities, including the selection and appointment of vice-chancellors, its rules are hardly followed and the autonomy of the HEC itself is under a question mark.

The HEC’s decentralisation after the 18th Amendment is under process, as the prime minister has formulated a task force for that purpose. Once the HEC comes under provinces’ control, political interference will increase.

If our politicians want to see development, growth and better output of these higher education institutes, they should be involved only in the legislation to ensure the autonomy of these institutes.

Dr Feroze Ali

Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...