Outlook Times

Official Ban on Private Tutoring During Work Hours

In a decisive move, the Secretary of College Education, Asif Akram, has officially prohibited government college teachers in Sindh from engaging in private tutoring or teaching at coaching centers during working hours.

The decision comes after reports that some teachers have been neglecting their duties at government institutions to focus on private coaching, leading to declining student attendance and a compromised learning environment.

Ethical Concerns and Teacher Accountability

The directive categorically states that using government time for personal financial benefits is unacceptable. Teachers are reminded of their responsibility to prioritize their official roles and provide students with the education they deserve.

Monitoring and Enforcement

Principals have been instructed to closely monitor teacher attendance and ensure that classes are conducted without fail. Any teacher violating this policy will face strict disciplinary action under the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973. Principals failing to enforce compliance will also be held accountable for lapses.

Aiming for Educational Excellence

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Sindh Education Department to elevate the standards of public education. By eliminating private tutoring during work hours, the department seeks to foster a more dedicated and focused teaching environment for students in government institutions.

Shaping the Future of Higher Education

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Department is set to introduce a ranking system for universities and colleges. This initiative, discussed in a recent meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi, marks a major step toward enhancing educational standards in the province.

Focus on Quality and Accessibility

Minister Afridi highlighted the dual goals of the ranking system: improving education quality and ensuring broader access for students. “This system will not only identify the strengths of our institutions but also spotlight areas where they can grow,” he noted.

Data-Driven Insights

Performance data from the past three years will form the backbone of the ranking system. This includes:

• Academic excellence and research contributions.
• Quality of faculty and resources.
• Infrastructure and student satisfaction.
  The comprehensive criteria aim to provide a holistic evaluation of each institution’s capabilities.

Encouraging Healthy Competition

By fostering a spirit of competition, the rankings will motivate universities and colleges to continually improve. Additionally, the initiative will empower students and families with valuable insights to choose the best educational institutions.

Implementation Plans

Authorities have been instructed to expedite the data collection process and finalize the criteria. With the rankings expected to roll out soon, this move promises to be a turning point for KP’s higher education system.

A New Chapter for NUST

Dr. Muhammad Zahid Latif has assumed the role of Rector at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). His vast expertise, spanning academia, defense, and innovation, positions him as a pivotal figure in the institution’s journey toward academic and research excellence.

Academic Excellence

Dr. Zahid’s academic journey is marked by a Ph.D. from Peking University, China, alongside an MPhil degree with distinction and four master’s degrees. His teaching career includes roles at leading institutions globally, showcasing his dedication to education and research.

Leadership in Defense and Technology

As a retired three-star general and former Federal Secretary of Defence Production, Dr. Zahid Latif has played a critical role in advancing cutting-edge technologies and fostering international collaborations in the defense sector.

Influence Beyond Borders

Dr. Zahid’s global presence as a lecturer and thought leader is evident in his contributions to universities and think tanks in the USA, UK, and China. His fellowship with the Taihe Institute and past research roles at Beijing Foreign Studies University highlight his commitment to bridging global academic communities.

A Vision for the Future

Under Dr. Zahid Latif’s leadership, NUST is expected to further its initiatives in research innovation, academic excellence, and international collaboration. His forward-thinking approach and extensive expertise promise a transformative era for the university.

Karachi University (KU) is grappling with a staggering financial challenge as over 16,506 students from various programs, including morning, evening, and Executive MBA (EMBA) courses, have failed to pay their dues, totaling more than Rs. 2.1 billion between 2020 and 2024.

Breakdown of Outstanding Dues

During a meeting led by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, officials revealed that out of 22,575 fee vouchers issued to morning program students, only 13,205 students had cleared their dues. This left a significant gap of Rs. 991.54 million unpaid. Similarly, evening program students contributed Rs. 1,049.84 million to the pending amount, with only 26.84% of fees collected.

The EMBA program also added to this challenge, as only 40.08% of the total Rs. 100.30 million in fees was recovered. Across all programs, KU generated 36,767 fee vouchers, but payments were received for just 20,261 vouchers, reflecting an overall collection rate of 36.39%.

Proposed Actions to Address the Crisis

Meeting participants expressed serious concerns about the financial strain caused by unpaid dues and proposed several measures, including withholding admit cards and canceling the enrollments of defaulters. It was also suggested that degrees of pass-out students who remain defaulters might be withheld until payments are made.

A Yearly Analysis of Fee Collection

A closer look at yearly trends highlights the growing challenge. In 2024, 60.10% of evening students cleared their dues, while the figure dropped significantly to 39% in 2021. This downward trend underscores the need for stricter enforcement policies.

Even former students contribute to the issue, as 46.36% of pass-outs have yet to clear their dues. KU’s administration has given repeated opportunities to defaulters to pay, but non-compliance has left the institution with limited options.