Senate panel clears bill for 33pc women seats in federal bodies

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Education on Thursday approved a bill aimed at ensuring 33 per cent representation for women in all federal boards, statutory bodies, public sector organisations and affiliated committees.

The committee, which met in Islamabad with Senator Bushra Anjum Butt in the chair, unanimously recommended that the Law Division take the necessary steps to ensure uniform compliance with women’s representation across all relevant entities before passing the bill.

During the meeting, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) briefed the committee on the composition of its board, saying it currently had five male and two female members. The committee took serious notice of the imbalance and directed immediate corrective action. It was agreed that the board would be restructured to include four male and three female members.

Senator Butt expressed strong displeasure over what she described as the systemic underrepresentation of women in decision-making forums, calling it unacceptable in a modern governance framework.

Senator Kamran Murtaza, however, raised reservations about fixed quotas. He argued that such measures could compromise merit and said priority should be given to the induction of competent and qualified women against vacant positions so that meritocracy and inclusivity could be balanced.

Budget and development review

The committee also carried out a detailed review of the education ministry’s budgetary allocations for 2025-26. Members were informed that 15 ongoing development projects, with a total cost of Rs15,799.92 million, had received Rs14,269 million, indicating significant financial progress.

The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) told the committee it was implementing two major projects worth Rs5,328 million, of which Rs4,486 million had already been released.

The ministry also presented its proposed Public Sector Development Framework for 2026-27. Among future initiatives, the committee was briefed on the establishment of a Daanish School at Sohbatpur, described as a flagship project worth Rs23,100 million and expected to be completed by June 30, 2028.

Members were further informed about progress in digital transformation in the education sector, including the supply of IT equipment, installation of high-speed internet in 428 schools and ongoing IT training for teachers. The committee was told that 86pc of the allocated budget for these efforts had already been utilised.

The panel was also informed about efforts to solarise educational institutions, with expansion plans covering 200 schools. Senator Butt, however, stressed the need to address infrastructure shortfalls, particularly the upgradation of 187 laboratories, which requires an estimated Rs1 billion.

Teacher shortage and student issues

The committee took note of a shortage of 1,200 teachers against a sanctioned strength of 9,500 and directed that recruitment through the Federal Public Service Commission be expedited.

It appreciated the introduction of 10 technical courses at the primary and matric levels by the Federal Board, but emphasised that adequate laboratory facilities would be necessary to support practical learning.

The issue of degree attestation affecting students of Al-Khair University and Global University also came under detailed discussion. The committee directed the HEC to resolve the matter on a priority basis, ensure a transparent and efficient attestation mechanism, and immediately operationalise its help desk to facilitate affected students.

The panel also expressed serious concern over delays in the supply of textbooks in federal educational institutions. The chairperson issued strict directions for timely, uninterrupted and efficient delivery of textbooks to all students.