The recent decision by the federal government to dramatically reduce the budget of the Higher Education Commission has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s higher education sector.
This move, amidst soaring inflation, poses a perplexing challenge for a nation relying on its youth to steer it towards a prosperous future while simultaneously slashing the very funds that fuel their education.
Effective immediately, the HEC’s recurrent budget has been slashed from Rs65 billion to a meager Rs25 billion for the new fiscal year. This abrupt disappearance of Rs40 billion has not only triggered outrage and bewilderment but has also underscored a stark disconnect between the government’s proclaimed priorities and the pressing needs of the educational sector. The ramifications of this financial blow are felt across over 160 public universities in Pakistan, collectively seeking Rs126 billion to meet their operational and developmental requirements.
Furthermore, the developmental budget from the Planning Commission has suffered a severe reduction, plummeting from Rs59 billion to Rs21 billion. This fiscal constriction has spurred emergency discussions among vice-chancellors, unanimously concluding that these budget cuts spell catastrophe for higher education in Pakistan.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the HEC, has confirmed receipt of the official notification from the Ministry of Finance and the Planning Commission. His apprehensions are warranted.
Federal universities are now tasked with stretching a budget that scarcely covers basic operational expenses, let alone sustains ambitious research initiatives or upholds academic standards. Compounding the issue is the HEC’s inability to provide financial support to provincial universities, leaving them to navigate a precarious financial climate independently.
The conspicuous absence of substantial response from major political parties on this matter speaks volumes. It implies that higher education has never been a priority, despite 60% of Pakistan’s population being under 30 years old. Neglecting education for this demographic is not only short-sighted but also deleterious to the nation’s future.
One academic from Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) succinctly described the situation as education being “in the emergency room” for an extended period. The government’s lackadaisical attitude towards higher education reveals a deeper systemic apathy, raising a critical question: where is the nation headed when its promising youth are deprived of educational support?
Financial mismanagement within universities is also a significant concern. Universities not only fall victim to external budget cuts but also grapple with internal inefficiencies, with frequent allegations of funds being misappropriated or redirected.
To justify pleas for increased funding, universities must demonstrate financial accountability and transparency.
Consider the harsh reality: Rs25 billion for 24 federal universities. This sum is inadequate to cover even basic salaries, let alone other operational expenses. Among these institutions are prominent universities like QAU, NUST, PIEAS, NDU, and Bahria University, each with substantial financial demands. The current budget allocation is akin to asking an elephant to subsist on crumbs.
During discussions at QAU, one professor stressed that federal universities require not only augmented budgets but also rigorous management of those funds. A dual approach of seeking enhanced financial support while ensuring meticulous budget management is imperative. This is not rocket science, yet it seems to elude many in positions of power.
Remarkably, the Sindh government consistently allocates reasonable funds for higher education. In contrast, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) earmarked only marginal funds for universities in the 2024 budget. This disparity underscores the divergent priorities and capacities of provincial governments. Ultimately, the federal government may bear the brunt of these budget cuts, potentially impacting funding shares even for federal universities.
As one professor aptly summarized, vague political decisions invariably exact a toll on the public, perpetuating a politics of division and rule. The inconsistency in funding across provinces is not merely a financial issue but a political one, underscoring a fragmented approach to education in Pakistan.
It is no surprise that institutions of higher learning struggle to make meaningful contributions to the national economy. The government must not only augment the higher education budget but also formulate a comprehensive, long-term plan. While Pakistani universities have made strides in quantitative rankings, their impact on educational or economic policies remains negligible.
As the country grapples with these budget cuts, it is time for a reckoning. Addressing financial mismanagement within universities is imperative, as is the government’s role in ensuring adequate funding. The political landscape must shift to genuinely prioritize education. In turn, universities must prove their mettle not only in numbers but in their tangible societal and economic impact.
Higher education in Pakistan stands at a critical juncture. The nation can either allow it to wither under financial constraints and mismanagement or take bold strides to ensure its flourishing. The youth of this nation deserve better, and it is our collective duty to advocate for a robust, well-funded educational system capable of propelling Pakistan into a brighter future.
The severe budget cuts to Pakistan’s higher education sector transcend mere numerical figures; they pose a grave threat to the nation’s future. Immediate and concerted action is imperative from both the government and educational institutions to address this crisis. By augmenting funding and ensuring efficient resource utilization, Pakistan can furnish its youth with the education requisite to steer the country towards prosperity. This is not merely an investment in education; it is an investment in Pakistan’s future.
