HEC Scholarship Program Under Review Amid Concern Over 356 Overseas PhD Graduates

The Senate Standing Committee on Education convened a detailed session to examine the operational performance of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), focusing on its ongoing development initiatives and the overseas scholarship framework, while also expressing reservations about financial discipline and the execution of projects outside approved limits. HEC representatives briefed lawmakers that 126 sanctioned development schemes are currently part of the federal budget, alongside infrastructure and research projects collectively valued at Rs. 45.7 billion, which have already received clearance from the National Economic Council (NEC). Members of the committee raised strong objections over the inclusion of a newly proposed Rs. 1 billion development initiative, questioning its legitimacy and procedural approval, while the chair reiterated that no unauthorized project would be endorsed under any circumstances. Attention was also drawn to a Rs. 500 million allocation for the newly established University of Narowal, with officials clarifying that the funds are intended for essential academic infrastructure such as hostels and laboratory facilities. The committee further reviewed HEC’s overseas scholarship program, where Director Saima Noreen revealed that 6,820 students were sent abroad, with around 96 percent returning and contributing to national progress, while 356 PhD scholars did not return after completing their studies. Authorities confirmed partial repayments and ongoing legal action against defaulters.