Higher Education - Provincial or Federal Subject !

After 18th amendment in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, there has been an unresolved debate between the legislators and stack holders in provinces and the center. Some of the renowned academicians, like Dr. Atta ur Rehman, have constantly argued, on various occasions, that the functions of HEC (Federal) are protected, even after the eighteenth amendment. And that the formation of HEC (Provincial) is unconstitutional. Although the concurrent list from the Fourth schedule of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has been omitted, however, the following powers still remain with the center:
"Fourth Schedule
Federal Legislative List
Part I
16. Federal agencies and institutes for the following purposes, that is to say, for research, for professional or technical training, or for the promotion of special studies.
17. Education as respects Pakistani students in foreign countries and foreign students in Pakistan.
Part II
12. Standards in institutions for higher education and research,
scientific and technical institutions."
This suggests that matters related to Higher education are still federal subjects and the provincial governments should restrain from unnecessary interference.

By Khurshed Ahmad