Senate Committee Higher Education Pakistan PIFD Education Reforms Accountability — Senate Standing Committee meeting reviewing governance and accountability issues in Pakistan’s higher education institutions.

Senate panel nullifies PIFD meeting over malafide intent

Senate committee takes strict action against rule violations at PIFD, stressing accountability, transparency, and protection of students’ rights nationwide.

By Fahad On Feb 12, 2026

PIFD – (Web Desk) – The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has declared a recent meeting of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) invalid, stating that it was held with ill intent, in violation of established rules, and without the required approval of the President.

The matter was taken up seriously by the committee, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt. During the proceedings, Senator Butt stressed that no individual is above the system, questioning how a vice chancellor under investigation for alleged rule breaches continues to hold office.

She also expressed concern over reports suggesting the vice chancellor was treating the position as a personal entitlement and had facilitated the appointment of her sister. The committee subsequently declared the vice chancellor retired and referred her failure to attend earlier meetings to the Privilege Committee.

Additionally, Senator Butt raised objections to the opening of a hostel with only six months left in the vice chancellor’s tenure. The issue has been referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance to determine whether the move went beyond legal authority.

“These actions are not against any one particular person but against the norms of owning public institutions as private business,” she said, emphasizing that the committee’s stance would set an example for future vice chancellors.

#TodayInParliament The Govt lied that no unauthorised toll plazas were reported in Assam.

Only to later accept that an FIR was filed by UP’s Special Task Force reg unauthorised fee collection in Madanpur Plaza, debarring the collecting agency.#ParliamentWithPradyut @INCAssam pic.twitter.com/t8Y6DTgNRN

— Pradyut Bordoloi (@pradyutbordoloi) February 12, 2026

She announced provincial visits to universities to ensure institutions comply with rules and confirmed that town halls will be held to gain a broader understanding beyond the Chancellors’ reports.

Addressing fake degree concerns, she said, “Students will not pay for our negligence. We will collect exact data on unverified institutions and ensure students get their due rights.”

A permanent help desk at the Higher Education Commission will be established immediately.

The committee also reviewed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), learning that 71,000 students were trained in 2025 with an annual budget of Rs7 billion.

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Discrepancies raised by a student from South Punjab regarding training allocations prompted the chair to form a sub-committee, led by Senator Kamran Murtaza, to investigate potential embezzlement and hold responsible parties accountable.