ISLAMABAD, July 26, 2025 – The 15th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture was convened under the leadership of Dr. Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi. The committee voiced serious concerns over the current accreditation practices of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), citing inadequate renewal protocols, weak monitoring frameworks, and ineffective enforcement mechanisms.
Committee members argued that NAVTTC’s standards are not being upheld by several institutions that were granted accreditation, resulting in a compromise on training quality and skills development nationwide. The committee recommended a comprehensive audit of accredited institutions, along with a restructuring of the accreditation and oversight process to ensure transparency, meritocracy, and international alignment with skills certification systems.
Regularization of Education Sector Employees
A major highlight of the meeting was the committee’s firm stance on the regularization of all contractual and daily-wage employees across multiple federal education bodies. This includes:
- Contract employees of the Pakistan Madrassah Education Board (PMEB), many of whom have served for over 15 years.
- Daily-wage teachers and lecturers in Islamabad Model Colleges.
- Staff from the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE) and National Skills University (NSU) awaiting reinstatement or permanent appointments.
The committee’s continued advocacy led to the formation of a Cabinet Committee, which has now referred the matter to the Parliament for legislative action, signaling potential relief for thousands of long-serving education professionals.
DOAM Briefs on Cultural Heritage Efforts
The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) delivered an extensive presentation outlining its efforts to preserve and promote Pakistan’s cultural and archaeological heritage. The department currently oversees 407 nationally protected sites and monuments, including six within the Islamabad Capital Territory. In addition, it operates 14 museums across the country and collaborates with global heritage organizations such as UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Key achievements presented include:
- Recovery of 1,125 stolen and smuggled antiquities, successfully repatriated from the US, UK, France, and Italy.
- Restoration initiatives at historically significant locations such as Rewat Fort and Shah Allah Ditta Caves, showcasing Pakistan’s rich archaeological diversity.
The committee expressed unanimous support for DOAM’s work, acknowledging the pressing need for increased funding, modernized museum infrastructure, and resolution of critical staff shortages. Members emphasized that heritage preservation is essential to maintaining Pakistan’s civilizational identity and enhancing the country’s global image.
Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) Updates Committee on Data Reforms
Officials from the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) provided insights into the institution’s mandate following the 18th Amendment. As the country’s central educational data body, PIE plays a pivotal role in:
- Unifying provincial education statistics through its Management Information System (MIS).
- Conducting nationwide student learning assessments.
- Producing evidence-based research to guide educational policy and align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4).
The institute is working closely with national and international partners, including UNESCO, LUMS, and education-focused NGOs, to enhance data transparency, education equity, and policy effectiveness, especially in tracking out-of-school children and learning outcomes across provinces.
High-Level Attendance and Institutional Coordination
The meeting was attended by prominent Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), including Anjum Aqeel Khan, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Farah Naz Akbar, Mussarat Asif Khwaja, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sabheen Ghoury, Dawar Khan Kundi, Fiaz Hussain, Muhammad Aslam Ghumman, Wajiha Qamar, and Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Higher Education Commission (HEC), DOAM, NAVTTC, and PIE also participated, underscoring the significance of inter-institutional cooperation in implementing the committee’s recommendations.
