News Detail
Event 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
Event Date: 2025-04-15
The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training met today under the chairpersonship of *Senator Bushra Anjum Butt* to review critical educational initiatives, developmental projects, and legislative proposals. The meeting was attended by Senators *Falak Naz, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Kamran Murtaza, Rahat Jamali, Khalida Ateeb, Qurat-ul-Ain Marri*, and representatives from relevant attached departments.
*High Priority to Autism Center in Islamabad*
A key highlight of the meeting was the in-depth discussion on the *Proposed Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) 2025-26, with particular emphasis on the **Center of Excellence for Autism* at *H-9/4, Islamabad. The Committee was briefed on the **total estimated cost of Rs 2,730.709 million, with a proposed allocation of **Rs 2,336.000 million* for the fiscal year 2025-26. The project is expected to be completed within *24 months*.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt strongly emphasized the importance of providing world-class facilities for children with autism, citing the *increasing prevalence* of the condition. “Institutions for autism cannot fall below international standards,” she stated. “We must ensure the best facilities and allocate additional resources if required.”
*Nutrition Standards in Educational Institutions Under Scrutiny*
During discussions, Senator Butt also raised concerns about the quality of food being served to students at institutions run by the *Allah Walay Trust. She sought detailed information on the **menu* and *nutritional value* of meals provided. “Nutrient-rich food must be a non-negotiable standard,” she stressed, asking for a thorough justification of the dietary provisions.
*Progress on Nationwide Educational Schemes*
The Committee was presented with a comprehensive update on several ongoing and new development schemes, including:
- *Digital Transformation for Employability in AJK & GB* – Estimated cost: *Rs 978.186 million*.
- *Establishment of Lab Institutions in Rural and Urban Areas* – No budget specified.
- *Introduction of School Support Specialists in 100 Schools* (entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate change) – 100 fellows, at a cost of *Rs 423.469 million*.
- *Establishment and Operation of 500 Non-Formal Hybrid Primary Schools / APL Centers* in Karachi slum areas to enroll Out-of-School Children (OOSC).
Ongoing projects reviewed included:
- *Enrolment, Retention and Progression of OOSC in Islamabad Capital Territory* – Budget: *Rs 978.000 million, targeted for completion by **June 30, 2025*.
- *Establishment of Daanish School in ICT (Kuri)* – Cost: *Rs 30,020.142 million, completion by **June 30, 2027*.
*Legislative Oversight and Consultations Ahead*
The Committee also deferred the *Private Member Bill titled “The Federal Supervision of Curricula, Textbooks and Maintenance of Standards of Education (Amendment) Bill 2024”, pending final approval from the Ministry. Senator Butt called for **consultation with the Islamic Council of Ideology* and directed that the final report be submitted *within a fortnight*.
*Degree Delays: A Matter of Urgency*
The issue of *delayed degrees* awarded by the *Higher Education Commission (HEC)* was again raised. Senator Butt expressed serious concern over the plight of an estimated *25,000 students* who have completed documentation but have yet to receive their degrees. “If we can begin the process and manage to issue even *10,000 degrees, it would be a significant success,” she said, lamenting the **dismay and hopelessness* among students affected by fraudulent institutions. She emphasized that even students with no fault of their own have become unintended victims.
*SALU Law College Affiliation Under Review*
Agenda items moved by Senator *Kamran Murtaza* regarding the *law college affiliated with Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, Mir’s* were discussed and subsequently deferred. The Committee decided to summon *all stakeholders, including students and the administration, to provide a detailed briefing on **affiliation issues and student concerns*.
*University Bills Deferred*
Due to the absence of their respective movers, the Committee also deferred:
- The *University of Business Sciences and Technology Bill 2025, moved by **Abdul Shakoor*, and
- The *Nexus International University of Health, Emerging Sciences and Technology Islamabad Bill 2024, moved by **Nasir Mehmood*.