Press Release Title: Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 16th April, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, held a comprehensive and outcome-oriented meeting today in Islamabad, focusing on critical reforms in governance, gender inclusion, and performance accountability within the federal education sector. The meeting was attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Syed Masroor Ahsan, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Khalida Ateeb, and Rahat Jamali. A key agenda item was the enforcement of 33% women’s representation across all Federal Boards, statutory bodies, public sector organizations, and affiliated committees, as referred by the Upper House. The 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 Bushra Anjum Butt expressed strong dissatisfaction over the systemic underrepresentation of women in decision-making forums, terming it unacceptable in a modern governance framework. She asserted that institutions must demonstrate ownership and initiative in ensuring gender parity, rather than relying solely on policy directives. The Committee unanimously recommended that the Law Division take necessary steps to ensure uniform compliance of women’s representation across all relevant entities and passed the bill. 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 undertook a detailed review of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training’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 under the Prime Minister’s directives. 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), while acknowledging interim hiring measures from NUST University and other institutions. 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. Plans for scholarship programs worth Rs. 6,500 million were also noted as a positive step towards expanding educational access. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the longstanding issue of degree attestation affecting students of Al-Khair University and Global University. Students personally appeared before the Committee and presented their grievances. Taking a firm stance, the Committee directed the HEC 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, emphasizing that such lapses directly undermine educational outcomes. In her concluding remarks, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt underscored the imperative of strict oversight and accountability, particularly in light of the substantial public funds allocated to the education sector. She categorically stated that the Committee would move beyond conventional meeting formats and conduct on-site sessions to directly evaluate institutional performance, financial utilization, and service delivery. The Committee resolved that its upcoming meetings and oversight visits would be held at key institutions, including the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), to ensure transparency, efficiency, and tangible results.   The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to institutional reform, strengthened governance, improved service delivery, and the promotion of merit-based yet inclusive representation across the education sector.