Education Ministry denies allegation regarding SIFC’s decision to cut HEC funds

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has denied any allegations that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has suggested a reduction in the financing of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

In response, the ministry affirms that, in contrast to recent reports, the SIFC has no control over the Higher Education Commission’s budgetary allocation. Moreover, no decisions about HEC funding have taken place at any SIFC event.

In a written response submitted to the National Assembly, the federal education minister, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui explained that funds allocated by the federal government to public universities in Islamabad and the provinces have remained at Rs65 billion since 2018, even when the financial needs of universities have “drastically” increased against the allocated money, from 21% in 2018-19 to 45% in 2023-24.

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Furthermore, considering recent misinformation, the education ministry urged the public and media outlets to verify facts and refrain from spreading misinformation that could undermine confidence in the education sector.

The ministry restates its steadfast dedication to furthering and promoting higher education throughout the country. It acknowledges the critical role that the HEC plays in supporting academic achievement, research, and innovation in all of the country’s educational institutions. On the other hand, the secretary of the SIFC, Jameel Qureshi denied that any budget reduction decision was taken by the investment body last year.

“SIFC has nothing to do with educational budgets,” Jameel told a private television channel. He added that recently the government did make “some cuts” in the government-bankrolled projects of the public sector development programs (PSDP), which were still in the planning stages, but these cuts were not specific to the education sector.