Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to amend University Act, 2012

PESHAWAR: An urgent action plan has been set in motion to deal with the pressing financial and administrative challenges faced by universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to amend the University Act, 2012, which will entail a commitment to revitalise higher education institutions in the region.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Department has convened an eight-member committee tasked with proposing amendments to the University Act. This move comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the financial sustainability and administrative efficiency of universities in the province.

2024 By-election in Lahore: A look at the political candidates

A notification issued by the Higher Education Department outlines the mandate of the committee, which is to solicit suggestions from government universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regarding the necessary amendments to the existing legislation. The proposed amendments aim to address various clauses in the University Act, with a focus on enhancing governance structures and fiscal management.

The committee has been directed to expedite its deliberations and submit comprehensive proposals within a week.

The impetus for these amendments was provided by a letter to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur from the Governor Haji Ghulam Ali, highlighting the precarious financial situation facing universities in Peshawar.

The governor’s letter had delineated key concerns, including the absence of vice-chancellors in several universities and the detrimental impact on educational quality. A report compiled by the Governor’s Secretariat elucidated the systemic flaws in higher education policies, advocating for collective strategies to effectuate meaningful change.

Death toll due to torrential rain rises to 59 in KP

The letter also highlighted universities’ demand that Senate budget be rationalised and deficit reduced.

Proposals for necessary amendments, insertions, or deletions in the University Act are slated to be submitted to the Provincial Assembly for consideration.