Senate Committee Declares PIFD Meeting Void, Questions VC Authority

Pakistan’s Senate education committee has challenged PIFD’s governance, declaring a recent meeting void and questioning the vice chancellor’s authority amid rule violations and concerns over governance.

Webdesk Zunaira Fatima

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has taken serious notice of governance and alleged rule violations at the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), questioning the authority of its vice chancellor and declaring a recent institute meeting null and void.

The committee, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, reviewed the PIFD matter during its meeting and expressed concern over the continued functioning of the vice chancellor despite an inquiry into alleged violations of rules and procedures. The committee maintained that public institutions must operate according to established laws and regulations rather than being treated as personal or inherited entities.

According to reports, the Senate committee declared a recent PIFD meeting void, saying it had been conducted in violation of prescribed procedures and without the required presidential approval. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt questioned how an official facing an inquiry could continue exercising authority at the institution.

The committee also raised concerns about allegations involving the vice chancellor’s continuation in office and reported attempts to facilitate the appointment of a family member. It further questioned the opening of a hostel when only several months remained in the vice chancellor’s tenure. The matter was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance for further examination.

Senator Butt said the committee’s actions were aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing public educational institutions from being run as private businesses. She also announced plans for visits to universities to assess whether they were following rules and regulations.

The committee additionally addressed concerns over fake degrees and unverified educational institutions. It directed the Higher Education Commission to establish a permanent help desk for degree verification and collect information about institutions involved in issuing unverified or fake degrees. Officials assured the committee that the help desk would be established.