NA panel seeks details on nursing training scheme, reviews FUUAST crisis

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Education on Monday expressed concern over the transparency of a government-funded nursing training initiative, examined the financial and administrative difficulties facing the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), and reviewed the regulatory arrangements related to Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan.

The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of acting chairman Mahtab Akbar Rashdi. During the meeting, members asked the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to provide a detailed account of how the International Centre for Skills (ICS) was chosen as the implementing partner for the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme.

Nursing programme under scrutiny

The committee was told that the programme is intended to help Pakistani registered nurses prepare for international licensing and employment opportunities. Members, however, raised questions over the process through which 500 trainees were selected.

According to the briefing, the selection was not publicly advertised, while candidates were nominated by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC). Committee members voiced concern over the procedure, particularly as around Rs300,000 is being spent from the public exchequer on each trainee.

In response, the committee directed NAVTTC to submit complete details covering the choice of the implementing partner, the nomination criteria used for selecting participants, and the overall framework for carrying out the programme.

Concerns over FUUAST finances and administration

The committee also discussed continuing governance, financial and administrative issues at FUUAST. Members were informed that financial pressures had delayed the payment of salaries and pensions to faculty, employees and retired staff.

The delay, the committee was told, has created administrative problems and unrest among employees. Members criticised the university administration for not resolving the situation and stressed that the vice chancellor should actively engage with the relevant authorities to secure financial assistance.

Other matters

Alongside these issues, the committee also reviewed the regulatory framework governing Cambridge qualifications in Pakistan.