HEC Wants Rs. 86 Billion for Universities in Upcoming Fiscal Year

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has requested the federal government to allocate Rs86 billion for universities across the country in the upcoming fiscal year, according to HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. He expressed optimism that the government would approve the funding, recognizing the importance of higher education.

During a discussion, Metropolitan University Karachi (MUK) Vice Chancellor Dr. Waseem Qazi highlighted the issue of MUK not receiving a grant. In response, Dr. Ahmed assured him that financial support would be provided to the university.

Last year, instead of increasing the higher education budget, the government reduced it to Rs25 billion, directing the funds solely to federal universities and halting grants to provincial institutions. However, following strong protests from provincial authorities, the funding was revised to Rs 65 billion to include provincial universities as well.