University Fee Hikes, Scholarship Cancellations Incoming as Govt Focuses on Building Roads

ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has warned that years of stagnant federal funding are pushing universities toward a financial crisis, potentially forcing tuition fee hikes and limiting access for underprivileged students.

According to a written reply submitted to the National Assembly, the education ministry said annual recurring allocations for universities have remained unchanged since 2018–19, despite a sharp rise in student enrolment, faculty and staff numbers.

“This prolonged stagnation not only impedes universities’ progress towards financial self-sustainability but may also force them to increase tuition fees, leading to reduced enrolment and greater barriers for underprivileged students,” the HEC stated.

The commission reported that a 35% cut in development grants, from Rs. 61.1 billion in FY 2024-25 to Rs. 39.5 billion in 2025-26, has already reduced scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui presented the reply in response to questions raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel. The minister said Pakistan currently offers 27 foreign scholarship programs in collaboration with international universities, enabling students to pursue higher education abroad from bachelor’s to postdoctoral levels.

Economic experts have claimed that the government is more focused on presentable projects like roads and infrastructure than healthcare and education, which may go on to hurt the country even more in the future.

Population Growth Outpacing Literacy Gains

Responding to a separate query, the minister said Pakistan’s population reached 241.49 million in the 2023 census, growing at 2.55% annually between 2017 and 2023. In contrast, the literacy rate increased only from 58.9% to 60.7%, a rise of just 1.8% over the same period.

He said the slower improvement in literacy, compared to population growth, presents a major challenge in meeting national education targets. The ministry is expanding non-formal education initiatives, focusing on out-of-school children and marginalised communities.

HEC Leadership Appointments Underway

The HEC is currently operating under interim leadership. However, the process of appointing a permanent executive director is nearing completion, with Prof Dr Ziaul Haq, Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, selected for the position. He is expected to take charge within days.

For the chairman’s post, the search committee and the education ministry have scheduled interviews with around 30 shortlisted candidates next week.