AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, July 18, 2012 (PPI-OT): Higher Education Commission HEC has brought revolutionary changes in higher education sector of Pakistan and this commendable work should continue in the larger interest of the people of the Pakistan. This was stated by Leader of the Upper House, Senator Jehangir Badar during his visit to HEC office Islamabad.
He mentioned that Pakistan People’s Party is committed to promoting higher education in Pakistan. “Realizing the importance of higher education for the socio-economic development of the country, Pakistan People’s Party founder Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto established University Grants Commission UGC as federal body” , he added.
He emphasized the need to bring about a knowledge based change which will be greatly helpful for the socio-economic uplift of the people. He also suggested that a Parliamentary caucaus representing all political parties may be established to assist in resolving the issues being faced by education sector including higher education. He assured his utmost cooperation to resolve the current problems of the higher education sector in Pakistan.
Earlier, Chairperson HEC Dr. Javaid R. Laghari welcomed to Senator Jehangir Badar and gave a detailed presentation over the composition, working and achievements of HEC. He said that the establishment of the HEC in 2002 has heralded a revolution in higher education in Pakistan which has been recognized throughout the world. The HEC has accomplished more in nine years since its establishment than was achieved in the first 55 years of Pakistan’s existence.
He stated that as an outcome of the these reforms, six Pakistani universities are now ranked among the top 300 Asian Universities and Two Pakistani universities are now ranked among the top 300 Science and Technology Institutions of the world. He also informed that Pakistani universities have produced more PhDs in the last 9 years (3950) since the establishment of HEC than in the first 55 years (3280).
The universities are now enabled to produce more PhDs in the next 3 years than in the last 9 years. Research output has grown eight-folds since 2002 (from 815 in 2002 to 6,200 in 2011). 80% of these research publications from Pakistan are coming from HEIs. Pakistan today is a regional leader in ICTs which other countries are following.
The Digital Library provides access to 75% of the World’s literature (23,000 e-journals and 45,000 e-books).Advanced Study Centers in Water, Energy and Agriculture have been established in support with USAID. The Centers in priority areas for economic development of Pakistan are located at major research universities across the country.
65% of total HEC funding is being invested in the human resource development so that a critical mass of experts may be produced to contribute to the development of the country.
So far, more than ten thousand inland and foreign scholarships have been awarded. Each week about fifteen scholars are completing their PhD and being placed by HEC at higher education institutors throughout the country.
For more information, contact:
Aayesha Ikram
Director (Media)
Higher Education Commission
Sector H-9, Islamabad
Tel: 90402404, 90402412
Email: aikram@hec.gov.pk
Website: www.hec.gov.pk