Analysis of Higher Education Policies of Pakistan and Suggestions for New Policy

Author(s) : Mehr Mohsin Raza, Muhammad Farooq, Mushtaq Ahmad & Saima Anwar

Abstract:

Contribution of higher education is very significant in better job opportunities and socio economic development of a country. The reforms in higher education in Pakistan are direly needed to face the future challenges in the age of technological disruption. The study aims at analyzing the higher education policies introduced by the Governments of Pakistan for examining the causes of success and failure of these policies, and suggestions for new education policy to meet the future challenges in higher education. The study is qualitative in nature. Data have been collected through document analysis, focus group discussion and semi structured interviews. A focus group discussion was conducted with 15 MPhil and 05 PhD scholars; whereas, interviews of 05 faculty members having PhD degrees in education sciences were accomplished through semi- structured interview schedule. The findings reveal that lack of proper funds allocation in higher education, deficiency of Higher Education Institutions in remote areas, dearth of research and innovation, scarcity of physical infrastructure and faculty incompatible with latest technological advancements are major hindrances in the progress of higher education in Pakistan. The key suggestions are; government should empower Higher Education Commission (HEC) with financial and administrative authority to provide quality higher education at the door steps of people according to local and global needs. Further, the rapid technological changes and developments may properly be adopted to improve the higher education. The government should ensure execution policies and plans related to the higher education, in true letter and spirit.

Key words: Higher Education, Universities, National Education Policy, Higher Education Commission (HEC)