The officials of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Wednesday informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the agreement of COMSATS, Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) Dual Degree Programme in collaboration with Lancaster University was verbal and caused students to lose their career.
It was necessary for both universities to get approval of the dual degree programme from their Board of Directors but COMSATS Board did not approve it and asked the university to obtain approval from HEC and meet all legal measures.
Two degrees cannot be issued for one course adding that university should reimburse fee of the students or arrange MS Course for them from Lancaster University, HEC officials informed.
The meeting of the PAC was held at Parliament House under the Chairmanship of Syed Khursheed Shah and briefed by the officials of HEC about dual degree programme of COMSATS.
The Committee also expressed displeasure over non-appearance of Secretary Ministry Finance and said that Secretaries should ensure their presence in PAC meeting.
He also directed the PAC Secretary to write a letter to the Secretary Establishment to take action against those officials who did not attend PAC meeting.
They said that COMSATS is charging Rs 0.475 million for BS programme and Rs 1.2 million for dual degree programme.
A total of 3.6 million pound has been transferred to Lancaster University account from students, HEC officials informed.
Shaikh Rohail Asghar said that this programme was started in 2010 but COMSAT showed negligence and the action should be taken against the institution in this regard.
Dr. Azra Fazal Paichoho said that the syllabus of British university is not being taught; therefore its degree should not be issued.
Chairman HEC Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the committee that HEC continuously issued notices to COMSATS for this program and asked for fulfillment of all legal measures.
Khurshid Shah said the decision will be taken in the next meeting in the presence of Reactor and Pro-Reactor of COMSAT. The next meeting would be held on October 8.