No More Mystery Backers: Education Panel Demands Clear University Ownership

No More Mystery Backers: Education Panel Demands Clear University Ownership

By Nadeem Tanoli

Islamabad: What began as a routine discussion on six private university bills quickly evolved into a powerful and unexpected policy shift, as Pakistan’s parliamentary education committee questioned the integrity of the current approval process and laid the foundation for sweeping reforms. The session turned into a critical moment of reckoning for how new universities are created, who controls them, and what standards they must meet.

The catalyst for this transformation was the simultaneous presentation of several university bills, prompting members to scrutinize the broader system instead of assessing each proposal in isolation. Interestingly, it was the absence of a university owner’s name in the submitted documents that triggered the entire debate on transparency and reform.

The committee’s strongest reform effort centered on transparency in ownership. Members expressed alarm over the lack of visibility into who truly sponsors many private university bills. One member remarked that many proposals appear to be pushed by “friends,” while the actual financial backers and decision-makers remain hidden. The Chairman, Dr. Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi, also noted that for many of these institutions, business—not education—appears to be the primary motivation. In response, the committee reached consensus on a landmark policy change: all future university bills must be accompanied by a standardized information sheet disclosing the full Board of Directors or Governors, the legal ownership structure (Trust, NGO, or SECP-registered company), and a detailed account of financial backing.

The conversation also clarified and reinforced the multi-stage approval process for new universities, creating a more robust system of checks. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) was confirmed as the initial gatekeeper, responsible for evaluating proposals, infrastructure, and financial viability before issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC). In some cases, such as Rawal International University, the Federal Cabinet may give early endorsement, adding significant political weight. The Law Department then ensures legal compliance before the Standing Committee gives its final review.

A key takeaway was the HEC’s two-stage approval system. The initial NOC serves only to support the legislative charter process. Even after Parliament passes a university bill, the HEC conducts a final, in-depth evaluation of academic resources—such as faculty and laboratories—before the institution is permitted to begin operations. This ensures that standards are upheld not only on paper but in practice.

The broader policy implications of these discussions were equally significant. Some members urged the government to first invest in strengthening Pakistan’s school system, warning that approving more universities without solid primary and secondary education is like “building the top floor without a foundation.” Others responded that the public sector alone cannot fulfill the country’s higher education demands, advocating instead for continued private investment under tight regulation and clearly defined standards.

An important philosophical stance also emerged from a related debate during the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) briefing. When the FDE proposed introducing the Cambridge system in select public colleges, the committee opposed it on principle. Members asserted that Pakistan’s national education boards should be strengthened to meet global standards, rather than being sidelined by foreign systems. This stance reinforced the committee’s broader commitment to promoting indigenous education reforms.

While no single reform bill was passed during the meeting, the session marked a pivotal shift in policy direction. The committee solidified its role as a legislative gatekeeper—not a rubber stamp—and demanded transparency, academic rigor, and strategic vision for all future private university approvals.