ISLAMABAD: A think tank on higher education in Pakistan comprising of reputed academics, experts, writers, analysts and representatives of civil society and youth organisations has been formed in Islamabad on Sunday.
The main objective of this initiative is deliberating impartially over various challenges being faced by the higher education sector in Pakistan as an autonomous and independent think tank, a news release said.
The other objectives include lobbying with the concerned stakeholders especially parliamentarians and political parties in order to draw their attention towards prioritising higher education in election manifestos.
The effective implementation of constitutional clauses related to education and higher education sector, ensuring academic freedom and autonomy of universities and promotion of civic education and peacebuilding at university campuses, are also included in the objectives.
The working group would also monitor the selection process of key appointments in higher education sector including chairpersons of federal and provincial higher education commissions and vice-chancellors in order to ensure transparency.
The working group would also establish provincial, regional and later on district levels chapters for active participation of concerned stakeholders.
The group would also prepare reviews and assessment reports on various higher education developments and issues and budgetary allocations on regular basis.
Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) President Dr Kaleemullah Barech termed the step a milestone towards promotion of higher education in the country.
Coordinator of the working group, Muhammad Murtaza Noor said this initiative would be greatly helpful in bridging the gap among academia, civil society, parliamentarians and policymakers.
He informed that many senior and reputed academics, writers, analysts, law and higher education experts from across the country, showed their positive consent to contribute to the working group.