HEC chief criticised for absence from Senate committee meetings.

The Senate Standing Committee on Education on Thursday criticised the chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for his absence at committee meetings.

The committee, chaired by Senator Rahila Magsi, directed HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri to ensure his presence at the next meeting.

The committee also discussed the decrease in scholarships for students from Balochistan and the tribal districts formerly known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in public sector medial colleges.

The issue was brought up on the floor of the house by Senator Usman Khan Kakar, who said the HEC had offered 192 scholarships for students from the tribal districts and Balochistan last year, which were reduced to 29 this year.

HEC adviser Waseem Hashmi told the committee that the HEC allocated 164 extra seats for students from Balochistan and Fata on scholarships in 55 public sector medical colleges last year following a court ruling. However, he said, this year the PMDC did not approve the extended seats and continue last year's practice.

A PMDC official said that if they were asked by HEC, then they are ready to facilitate the students. While an HEC official told the committee that commission is already pursing this case with PMDC. However, PMDC official said that they didn't receive any letter in this regard.

...