The advancements of modern technology greatly rely on the quality of higher education system of a country. This system should have the necessary ingredients to encourage & facilitate students and professionals to enhance existing technologies and innovate in every field of science & technology.
Pakistan has one of the most weakest higher education systems of the world according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British ranking agency.
The Challenge for Pakistan
Pakistan needs to rejuvenate its overall higher education system. There are a number of areas which require improvements. Allocation of ample funds from the government will be a stepping stone in this journey.
In this regard, letters were sent to the four Chief Ministers by the National Democratic Foundation (NDF) and Pakistan Social Services Partnership (PSSP). Mr Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Chairman of National Democratic Foundation (NDF) and former Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan said that,”Federal and Provincial governments must take serious measures to maintain quality of higher education in the country.”
On Friday, a joint briefing session was held by NDF and PSSP. The Chairman of Pakistan Social Services Partnership (PSSP) Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal highlighted that the provision of at-least 25% of education budget towards higher education as is the setting international standards.
He further elaborated that letters sent to four Chief Ministers were jointly issued by NDF and PSSP through which a request has been made to strengthen the role of provincial governments towards higher education and allocate 25% of the education budget for it in the upcoming budget for the Fiscal Year 2016-17.
The fact that such a provision has never been made in Pakistan shows the attitude of the government towards higher education. If Pakistan intends to enhance the educational status of the country & make progress in science & technology, then the implementation of the suggested 25 percent allocation of funds for higher education will be a step in the right direction.
