ISLAMABAD: After the Sindh government advised public sector universities in the province not to use university funds for participation in a Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) conference to be held in Morocco later this month, the commission has approached the Sindh and other provincial governments to ensure participation of vice chancellors in the meeting for international collaboration.

The HEC and Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) are organising the VC forum in Morocco on June 23–24.

Initially, the event was slated to be held in Islamabad on May 12-13, but due to the four-day war between Pakistan and India, the event was shifted to Morocco when, according to the HEC, “ICESCO headquarters has graciously offered to host the 6th Vice Chancellors’ Forum”. Subsequently, the HEC, on May 22, requested VCs to participate in the said event through their university’s “own resources.”

Since the public sector universities have already been facing budget constraints, the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) issued a letter dated June 3, advising all VCs of public sector universities in Sindh not to use university funds for foreign travel unless specifically approved.

Dr Mukhtar says ICESCO will cover all expenditures except air ticket which may cost Rs200,000 for each university

The letter reads: “As you are aware, many public universities in the province are currently grappling with financial hardships that have severely affected their ability to disburse salaries, process pensions and maintain day-to-day operations. It is also heard that some institutions have even resorted to loans to meet essential obligations.

“The Government of Sindh provides generous annual grants to public universities in the province to support their core academic, research and operational needs. These funds are not intended to be used for discretionary or non-essential expenditures such as international travel, unless specifically approved under exceptional and justified circumstances.

“All VCs of public sector universities in Sindh are hereby strongly advised not to use university funds for foreign travel unless specifically approved… if any VC considers participation, it must be strictly on a self-financed basis or funded by HEC Islamabad,” the SHEC letter added.

When contacted, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed told Dawn the meeting is a highly important one and is being jointly organised by the HEC and ICESCO.

“It was supposed to be held in Islamabad, but due to the tense security situation in May, it was shifted to Morocco. This forum / meeting presents a strategic opportunity for Pakistan to lead high-level engagements with VCs, rectors, government officials and education ministers from member states,” he said.

Asked about the refusal of the Sindh government, he said: “I have requested the Sindh Government and other provincial governments to ensure participation of their VCs in this highly important meeting.”

“VCs and rectors of many private universities have already finalised their plans, so I am hopeful VCs of public sector universities will participate in this event,” he said.

To a query about the weak financial condition of public sector universities, he said: “Only the air ticket is to be procured by VCs; the rest of the expenditure will be borne by ICESCO. It’s a matter of around Rs200,000 for each university, which should not be a big deal for participation in such an important forum.”

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2025