ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Education on Thursday passed a bill aimed at ensuring 33pc women representation across all federal boards, statutory bodies, public sector organizations and affiliated committees.

The committee which met here in Islamabad with Senator Bushra Anjum Butt in the chair unanimously recommended to the Law Division to take necessary steps to ensure uniform compliance of women’s representation across all relevant entities and passed the bill.

During the meeting, Higher Education Commission (HEC) briefed the Committee on its existing composition, revealing a gender imbalance with five male and two female members on its board. Taking serious notice, the Committee directed immediate corrective measures, and it was agreed that the board composition would be restructured to include four male and three female members.

Chairperson Senator Butt expressed strong dissatisfaction over the systemic underrepresentation of women in decision-making forums, terming it unacceptable in a modern governance framework. During deliberations, Senator Kamran Murtaza voiced reservations regarding fixed quotas, arguing that such measures risk compromising merit.

He stressed that priority should be given to the induction of competent and qualified women against vacant positions to ensure a balanced approach between meritocracy and inclusivity.

The Committee also undertook a detailed review of education ministry’s budgetary allocations for 2025–26. It was informed that 15 ongoing development projects, with a total cost of Rs. 15,799.92 million, have seen a release of Rs. 14,269 million, reflecting significant financial progress.

The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is executing two major projects worth Rs. 5,328 million, with Rs. 4,486 million already disbursed. The Ministry also presented its proposed Public Sector Development Framework (PSDF) for 2026–27.

Highlighting future initiatives, the Committee was briefed on the establishment of a Daanish School at Sohbatpur, a flagship project valued at Rs. 23,100 million, expected to be completed by June 30, 2028.

Meanwhile, the committee was informed that substantial progress was reported in digital transformation, including the provision of IT equipment, installation of high-speed internet in 428 schools, and ongoing IT training for teachers, with 86% of the allocated budget already utilized.

The committee was further informed of efforts to solarize educational institutions, with expansion plans targeting 200 schools.

However, the chairperson underscored the urgent need to address infrastructure gaps, particularly the upgradation of 187 laboratories requiring an estimated Rs. 1 billion.

The committee also took note of the shortage of 1,200 teachers out of a total sanctioned strength of 9,500, directing expedited recruitment through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

The introduction of 10 technical courses at primary and matric levels by the Federal Board was appreciated; however, the Committee emphasized the necessity of establishing adequate laboratory facilities to ensure effective practical learning. During the course of meeting the issue of degree attestation affecting students of Al-Khair University and Global University came under discussion in detailed and HEC was directed to resolve the matter on priority, ensure a transparent and efficient attestation mechanism, and immediately operationalize its help desk to facilitate affected students.

The committee also expressed serious concern over delays in the provision of textbooks in federal educational institutions. The Chairperson issued strict directions to ensure timely, uninterrupted, and efficient delivery of textbooks to all students.

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2026