The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is currently under scrutiny for its management of scholarship programs, facing allegations of incompetence and ineffective policy implementation. Reports suggest that over Rs1.55 billion (approximately $7 million) may have been misappropriated through these schemes.
A major issue has arisen with around 97 students who, after receiving scholarships and traveling abroad, have reportedly disappeared and failed to return to Pakistan. These students were sent to various countries, including Europe, the United States, Britain, Canada, and Australia.
The financial allocations for these scholarships are substantial: Rs8.3 million (about $38,000) was designated for scholarships in Europe, Rs7.49 million (around $34,000) for the US, and over Rs17 million (approximately $77,000) for the UK. Additionally, Rs0.77 million (around $3,500) was used for travel expenses for 70 students.
The situation is exacerbated by the disappearance of 19 students from a one-year master’s degree “Hardship Fee” scholarship program, 5 PhD scholars, and 3 Fulbright scholars, who vanished after being sent overseas. These issues highlight severe concerns about the HEC’s oversight and management of its scholarship programs, casting a shadow over the integrity and effectiveness of these initiatives.
