The National Assembly Standing Committee on Education convened at Parliament House on Monday, with acting chairperson Mahtab Akbar Rashdi presiding, to address several pressing issues. The committee raised concerns over the transparency of a government-funded nursing training programme, questioned the financial and administrative crisis at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), and reviewed the regulatory framework governing Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan.
Nursing Training Programme Under Scrutiny
The committee sought a detailed explanation from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) regarding the selection of the International Centre for Skills (ICS) as the implementing partner for the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme. The initiative aims to prepare Pakistani registered nurses for international licenses and employment opportunities abroad.
Committee members expressed concern that the selection of 500 trainees was not publicly advertised; instead, candidates were nominated by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). Noting that approximately Rs300,000 is being spent on each trainee from the public exchequer, the committee directed NAVTTC to submit comprehensive details on the selection of the implementing partner, nomination criteria, and the programme's implementation framework.
FUUAST Financial and Administrative Crisis
The committee also voiced serious concern over persistent governance, financial, and administrative problems at FUUAST. Members were informed that financial constraints had delayed the payment of salaries and pensions to faculty members, employees, and retired staff, creating administrative difficulties and employee unrest. Criticising the university administration for failing to resolve these issues, the committee stressed that the vice chancellor should actively engage with relevant authorities to secure financial support.
Regulatory Framework for Cambridge Qualifications
Additionally, the committee reviewed the regulatory framework governing Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan. The session included discussions on ensuring the quality and transparency of international education standards within the country.
The committee's directives underscore the need for accountability in public-funded programmes and the resolution of institutional crises affecting educational institutions.
