The Senate Standing Committee on Education held a meeting to review the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) development projects and overseas scholarship program, raising concerns over funding allocations and the implementation of unapproved schemes.
During the briefing, HEC officials informed the committee that 126 approved development schemes are included in the current budget. The commission also has development projects worth Rs. 45.7 billion that have been approved by the National Economic Council (NEC).
Committee members questioned the inclusion of a new development scheme worth Rs. 1 billion, with the committee chairperson asking how the project had been added despite existing restrictions. The chairperson emphasized that the committee would not approve any unapproved schemes and noted that the Minister for Planning had clearly stated that only projects related to security matters would be added as new initiatives.
The committee also discussed a Rs. 500 million allocation for the newly established University of Narowal. A committee member sought clarification on how the funds would be utilized. HEC officials explained that the university requires essential infrastructure, including student hostels and laboratory facilities. According to the commission, the allocated funds will be used during the next fiscal year to complete these critical development projects.
The meeting also focused on the performance of HEC’s overseas scholarship program. Committee members sought details regarding the rules governing foreign scholarships and the benefits received by the country from investing in students’ education abroad.
HEC Director Saima Noreen informed the committee that a total of 6,820 scholars have been sent abroad under various scholarship programs. She stated that approximately 96 percent of these scholars have returned to Pakistan and are contributing to national development through their professional services.
However, she revealed that around 4 percent of scholarship recipients have not returned to the country after completing their studies. According to HEC data, 356 PhD scholars did not return to Pakistan upon completion of their degrees.
The committee was further informed that some of these scholars have repaid the scholarship funds, while legal proceedings are currently underway against nearly 200 individuals who failed to fulfill their return obligations.
The Senate committee stressed the importance of ensuring accountability in scholarship programs and maximizing the national benefits of public investment in higher education and research.
