PIC orders HEC to issue public suspension orders for 18 health-related educational institutions
The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has mandated the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to publicly reveal suspension orders targeting 18 health educational institutions in Islamabad. This directive upholds the right to information and aims to foster transparency within the education sector.
The PIC’s decision follows an appeal by citizen Anwar Ud Din, seeking copies of the suspension orders that bar new student admissions in these affected institutions.
The list comprises various institutions, including the Bashir Institute of Health Sciences, Comwave Institute of Science and Information Technology, DAKSON Institute of Health Sciences, and others. Initially, the HEC declined to share this information, citing potential damage to their reputation and violation of institutional privacy.
However, during the PIC hearing, HEC representative Mr. Hammad Bin Saif acknowledged that the suspension orders were a result of ongoing policy development necessitating a temporary halt to admissions.
Contrary to HEC’s claims, the PIC rejected their arguments, affirming that the suspension order, being an HEC directive, didn’t fall under third-party information. The Commission instructed the HEC to provide copies of these orders to the appellant within 10 working days, warning of penalties for non-compliance.
Additionally, the PIC stressed the urgency of finalizing a new affiliation policy in higher education for proper governance.
This PIC directive signifies a crucial move towards transparency and accountability within the HEC, ensuring public access to vital information. The disclosure of these suspension orders will highlight institutional non-compliance with regulations, potentially safeguarding students from enrolling in unapproved programs.