Islamabad: In a significant move aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the country, the National Assembly of Pakistan passed 26 bills relating to the establishment of universities and educational institutes in both the public and private sectors. The momentous session saw the approval of various legislative measures, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting higher education and professional studies nationwide.
Among the prominent bills that received unanimous support was “The University of Shaheed Benzair Bhutto Bill, 2023,” which honors the legacy of the late former Prime Minister, Shaheed Benzair Bhutto. The University is set to become a center of academic excellence, focusing on a wide array of disciplines to nurture future leaders and scholars.
Another significant bill that garnered widespread support was “The Institute of Health and Professional Studies Bill, 2023.” This bill aims to address the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals by establishing a specialized institute dedicated to the advancement of medical and professional education.
Saad Waseem, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, announced that these universities and institutes will be established after completion of codal formalities and approval by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He expressed the government’s gratitude for the members’ strong support for education and emphasized that the government had chosen not to oppose these legislations as a testament to their commitment to promoting education in the country.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Saad Waseem, expressed his appreciation for the overwhelming support from all members of the National Assembly for these landmark legislations. He emphasized that the government had chosen not to oppose these legislations as a testament to their commitment to promoting education in the country. He acknowledged the collective commitment of the assembly in promoting education and ensuring the well-being of the nation.
During the session, it was highlighted that all the proposed universities and institutes would be established following the completion of the necessary formalities and obtaining the approval of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). This emphasis on adherence to regulatory requirements ensures that the new institutions meet the high standards of quality education and research.
The Bills passed by National Assembly in the single sitting included:
- The University of Shaheed Benzair Bhutto Bill, 2023
- The Institute of Health and Professional Studies Bill, 2023
- The Metropolitan International Institute of Science and Technology Bill, 2023
- The Askari Institute of Higher Education Bill, 2023
- Federal Ziauddin University Bill, 2023
- The Indus University of Science and Technology Bill, 2022
- The Institute of Management and Technology Bill, 2023
- The Pak China, Gwadar University, Lahore Bill, 2023
- The Sheikhupura Institute of Advance Sciences Bill, 2023
- The Cosmic Institute of Science and Technologies Islamabad Bill, 2023
- The Bulleh Shah International University Bill, 2023
- The Ravi Institute Bill, 2023
- The International Islamic Institute for Peace Bill, 2023
- The Shah Bano Institute Jaranwala Bill, 2023
- The International Memon University Bill, 2023
- The Ume Abeeha Institute of Health Sciences Bill, 2023
- The Mufti-e-Azam Islamic University Bill, 2023
- The Kalam Bibi International Women Institute Bannu (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- The Islamabad International University, 2023
- The Pakistan Points of Entry (Public Health) Bill, 2023
- The Islamabad Institute of Modern Sciences Bill, 2023
- The Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2023
- The National University of Health Emerging Sciences and Technologies, Islamabad Bill, 2023
- The National Institute of Technology Bill, 2023
- The Pakistan Institute of Management, Sciences, and Technology Bill, 2023
- The Horizon University Bill, 2023
The passage of these bills signifies a major milestone in the country’s education sector, promising to unlock the potential of the youth and contribute to national development. The establishment of these universities and institutes is expected to create new avenues for learning, research, and innovation, ultimately shaping a brighter future for Pakistan.
The absence of opposition against the bills showcases the unanimous determination of the National Assembly to prioritize education as a crucial driver of progress and prosperity for the nation. With a strong legislative foundation now in place, Pakistan moves closer to achieving its vision of a knowledge-based economy and a skilled workforce that can meet the challenges of the modern world.
