The Higher Education Commission (HEC) continues to face serious financial challenges due to stagnant budget allocations, hindering universities’ efforts to move toward financial self-sustainability.
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According to the Ministry of Education’s written reply submitted in the National Assembly, federal recurring funds for universities have remained unchanged since 2018–19, despite a significant increase in student enrolment, faculty, and staff. As a result, universities may be compelled to raise tuition fees, potentially reducing enrolment and creating further barriers for underprivileged students.
The HEC noted that a 35% cut in development grants—from Rs61.116 billion in FY 2024–25 to Rs39.5 billion in 2025–26—has also reduced the number of scholarships available for deserving students.
The reply was presented in the National Assembly by Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, responding to questions raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel. The minister added that, alongside local scholarships, Pakistan currently offers 27 foreign scholarship programmes in collaboration with international universities and research institutions, enabling students to pursue undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and postdoctoral studies abroad.
On a separate query about the literacy rate, the minister said Pakistan’s population reached 241.49 million in the 2023 census, with an annual growth rate of 2.55%. During the same period, literacy improved from 58.9% in 2017 to 60.7% in 2023, an increase of only 1.8%.
He noted that although literacy rates have improved gradually, rapid population growth continues to hinder national education targets. The ministry and its attached bodies are implementing several initiatives to promote literacy and expand non-formal education, particularly for out-of-school children, marginalised groups, and adults.
Top Positions at HEC:
The HEC is currently operating under ad hoc arrangements with an interim chairman and acting executive director. However, the appointment of a permanent Executive Director is near completion, as the commission has selected Prof Dr Ziaul Haq, Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, for the role. He is expected to assume charge in the coming days.
Interviews for the position of HEC chairman are also scheduled next week, with around 30 shortlisted candidates invited by the search committee and the Ministry of Education.
