Al-Biruni, Danish varsities’ bills approved

2026-02-27 - 20:14

Ijaz Kakakhel In a decisive advancement of Pakistan’s higher education agenda, the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training on Thursday approved two pivotal pieces of legislation: the Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025, and the Danish University Bill. The approvals mark a significant step toward expanding academic capacity, strengthening quality assurance, and embedding durable governance frameworks within the country’s university system. The meeting, convened at Parliament House under the chairpersonship of Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, featured detailed legislative scrutiny of both proposals, which aim to broaden access to higher education while safeguarding academic institutions from extra-academic interference. The Committee commenced its proceedings with a clause-by-clause examination of the Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025, a private member’s bill introduced by Senator Khalil Tahir on behalf of Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, following its prior passage by the National Assembly. Senior officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Higher Education Commission briefed the Committee, providing comprehensive explanations of the Bill’s provisions and responding to members’ questions. During deliberations, strict adherence to statutory and regulatory quality assurance mechanisms was underscored. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, emphasized that all institutional affiliations must conform rigorously to the standards prescribed by the HEC.