Sindh government is providing commendable budgets for higher education institutions
compared to other provinces. He emphasized the need for a uniform standard across the
country for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors instead of province-specific criteria: Dr. Zia-
Ul-Qayyum.
Jamshoro Sindh : Executive Director of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad,
Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum said that Sindh government is providing commendable budgets for higher
education institutions compared to other provinces. He emphasized the need for a uniform standard
across the country for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors instead of province-specific criteria. He
was addressing and talking to media persons during the inauguration ceremony of 28-days teacher
training program at Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro (SABS) University of Art, Design, and Heritage,
Jamshoro, in collaboration with HEC Islamabad’s Pakistan National Academy of Higher Education
(NAHE).
Addressing the opening ceremony Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum stated that HEC is committed to enhancing
the effectiveness of such training programs for university teachers. Similar programs have been
launched in almost all universities across Pakistan to improve the quality of teaching. He mentioned
that the ongoing programs are funded by the World Bank and are expected to yield significant
benefits over the next four to five years.
He explained that while substantial investments were previously made in IT and technology sectors
within universities, there was less focus on improving the quality of teachers. Upon assuming his
role, he proposed teacher training programs, which are now being funded by HEC and the World
Bank. Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum stressed that 60% of the workload in universities is managed by lecturers
and assistant professors, making it crucial to enhance their skills as they play a key role in preparing
future educators. Additionally, he revealed plans to engage institutions like the National Institute of
Management for administrative staff training in universities.
Responding to a question, he mentioned that HEC and the federal government alone cannot fulfill
100% of the universities' requirements, provincial governments must also contribute, and Sindh's
allocation of over 35 billion PKR for higher education is a commendable effort.
On the topic of vice-chancellors' appointments, Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum suggested that instead of having
separate laws for each province, a uniform national standard should be implemented. He also
proposed that HEC consult member Vice-Chancellors may be contacted for any relevant legislation.
SABS University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Arabella Bhutto, speaking at the event, remarked that
teacher training programs have long-term benefits, aiding in the effective guidance of younger
generations. She emphasized the need for collaboration among staff and faculty to ensure the
university's growth and development.
Following the training program's inauguration, Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum visited an exhibition organized
by first-year students of SABS University and inaugurated the newly constructed foreign faculty
hostel.
The event was attended by Nazir Hussain, Director General of HEC Regional Office Karachi, Sohail
Raza Mangi, Assistant Director of HEC, and Dr. Abid Hussain Shehzad from Islamia University
Bahawalpur. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Arabella Bhutto presented traditional Sindhi Ajraks and shields to
the guests as tokens of appreciation.
