ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary panel on Thursday approved the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) Amendment Bill.

The bill seeks empowering the prime minster to directly appoint the FBISE chairman. It says the chairman may be appointed either through direct recruitment or by deputation of an officer not below BS-20 with renewable terms. The bill also broadens the representation on the FBISE board to include professionals from emerging fields with addition of new members besides expanding its scope of responsibilities to meet current educational demands.

The Senate Standing Committee on Education, which met at Parliament House with Senator Bushra Anjum Butt in the chair, reviewed a number of legislative proposals/bills and institutional matters.

Before its approval, the FBISE amendment bill triggered strong exchange of views regarding its legal implications. The chairperson said the education minister should have been present in the meeting. Member Kamran Murtaza raised constitutional concerns, asking, “You want to nullify the Supreme Court’s judgment? However, another member Afnanullah Khan replied: “You can change the law.” Before approving the bill, the chairperson stated the bill was in accordance with the law and Mr Murtaza’s disagreement should be noted.

Meanwhile, the committee also discussed the International Examination Board Bill. Member Khalil Tahir Sindhu, who attended the meeting virtually, said the bill should be passed. He added that the bill was crucial for enhancing the quality of education in Pakistan.

Raising concerns about the inefficiency of domestic boards, Rana Qasim Noon pointed out: “Currently, about 37 intermediate and secondary boards are functioning in the country. These boards themselves give positions to children, but toppers do not succeed in entry tests.

Subcommittee on Balochistan University bill

While discussing the bill, Senator Abdul Shakoor said the bill should be approved as a special case, adding people of Balochistan were not getting their rights.

To address regional representation and concerns, the chairperson formed a subcommittee under Senator Afnanullah Khan.

Education for special children

Senator Sarmad Ali inquired whether there is any policy on admission of physically challenged children in schools. Ministry officials replied that there was no policy for either private or public institutions. The chairperson said if the minister of education were here, there would have been an answer and directed that a detailed presentation be submitted in the next meeting.

Meanwhile, the committee reviewed the functions of Pakistan Institute of Fashion Designing. The chairperson said the same VC has been hired for the last 25 years. The committee deferred the bill on VC appointment to make amendments as required.

Meanwhile, the committee also postponed Gharki Institute Bill for further review. The bill was introduced by Senator Sherry Rehman.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2025