In a recent development, the Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister, Maqbool Baqar, has taken significant steps to ensure accountability in the higher education sector. During a meeting held at the CM House, he directed the university and boards department, along with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC), to conduct audits of all 27 universities in the region. The decision to audit these institutions comes in light of concerns that some universities have neglected to hold meetings of their Senate for an extended period. The interim Chief Minister wasted no time in instructing the relevant authorities to take action against such universities, which notably include the prestigious University of Karachi and Sindh University.

 Meanwhile, the University of Karachi (UoK) has resumed its classes following the release of 'pending funds' by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for universities in Sindh. This development was welcomed by the University of Karachi Professors’ Association, which confirmed that teaching activities would recommence in response to the HEC's action, which was taken under the directives of the caretaker Chief Minister of Sindh. The HEC has allocated a substantial amount of Rs 430 million to the University of Karachi for the second quarter of the year 2023-2024. Similarly, other universities in the province have also received grants, with Rs 430 million going to Sindh University, Rs 270 million to Dawood University, Rs 190 million to Jinnah Sindh Medical University, and Rs 280 million to NED University.

 Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)