ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Friday called for restorations of student unions in the country.

Besides, other agenda items the issue of revival of student unions was discussed in the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education, which met at the Parliament House with Senator Bushra Anjum Butt in the chair.

During the meeting, Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan raised the issue of student unions, stating that in the absence of such unions, the country was facing shortage of real leadership.

Senator Ahsan called for clear guidelines to govern student unions, emphasising that although restrictions have been in place for 40 to 50 years, they have not been effectively enforced.

After a detailed discussion, the committee chairperson emphasised the need for a time-bound schedule and a clear date for holding student unions elections.

Meeting discusses issues facing FUUAST; committee chairperson concerned over delay in attestation of degrees by HEC

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, also supported revival of unions and stated that on January 13, the commission was going to hold a meeting of all vice chancellors and the issue of revival of student unions would also be taken up with them.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also supported the move to revive student unions.

Earlier, during the committee meeting, the issue of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST) was also taken up.

In response to the Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan in the Senate on October 25, 2024, regarding strike at the FUUAST, the committee discussed the issue of the said university.

Senator Ahsan emphasised that the issues faced by students, workers and retired employees in the university remain unresolved and demand immediate attention.

He highlighted that these groups were not receiving pensions and that house rent payments had been delayed. These individuals have come forward to express their valid concerns.

Senator Ahsan said persistent issues affecting FUUAST’s faculty and staff could lead to further disruptions, which must be addressed to ensure stability.

A professor from FUUAST shared that retired employees have not received their pensions since 2017. He stated that while a huge amount is available in the university’s account, no pensions have been disbursed.

The committee chairperson, Bushra Butt, emphasised the need for a time-bound system to resolve recurring issues.

The HEC chairman mentioned that while an administrative allowance existed, persistent issues such as law and order disruptions and ongoing excuses about lack of resources hinder progress. Uncollected funds allocated for colleges continue to grow, and the university’s failure to provide accurate data exacerbates internal and governance-related problems.

The committee chairperson commented that across the country, similar challenges persist at universities, with provinces not taking responsibility, and salaries remaining unpaid.

An audit policy, including both external and internal audits, is urgently needed, she said and emphasised the need to eliminate the interim vice chancellor position entirely and proposed forming a dedicated committee to develop actionable solutions.

Federal Education Minster Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddqiui suggested that the Federal Ombudsman, the vice chancellor and the HEC collaborate to resolve the matter, a suggestion which was endorsed by Senator Bushra. The issue was subsequently disposed of.

The vice chancellor of the University of Balochistan, Quetta, addressed concerns regarding nepotism and personal bias in the regularisation of employees appointed on contract basis.

He explained that 10 individuals, who had been in the university for at least five years, requested regularisation.

The Governor’s House has granted approval for this, and discussions are ongoing to address issues of regularisation and promotions.

The Senate deputy chairman questioned why 24 individuals had been excluded from the process, based on their eligibility criteria.

He stressed the need to resolve the matter within a month and emphasised a collective approach, as directed by the head.

Chairperson Bushra Butt agreed, stating that a maximum of three weeks will be allocated to address the issue.

She also expressed concern over the delay in the attestation of students’ degrees by the HEC, saying that while the HEC was conducting its checks, the process should be initiated promptly.

She said the University of South Asia had already submitted all required materials, and these delays appear to be tactics.

The HEC chairman reassured the committee that once authentic documents were provided, the issue would be resolved.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2025