Engagements with international groups, without prior authorization from certain government agencies, could potentially misrepresent Pakistan’s official stance on sensitive issues.
Engagements with international groups, without prior authorization from certain government agencies, could potentially misrepresent Pakistan’s official stance on sensitive issues.
The Pakistani Higher Education Commission has taken proactive measures to exercise greater oversight and control over university collaborations with international organizations, particularly the United Nations and its subsidiary agencies.
HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has issued a directive requiring universities to obtain authorization from the Foreign Office before engaging in partnerships with global entities. This decision comes in response to concerns regarding universities entering into politically sensitive collaborations without prior consultation with relevant federal departments.
Authorization mandatory
In an official communication, Dr. Ahmed advised university heads against forming ties with global entities such as the UN without prior approval from the Foreign Office. This directive aims to address a growing trend wherein universities have been entering into partnerships on politically sensitive matters without adequate oversight.
Sensitivity concerns
The primary concern voiced by the Foreign Office is that such engagements could potentially misrepresent Pakistan’s official stance on these sensitive issues. To address this, the HEC has instructed higher education institutions to liaise with the Foreign Office and ensure that engagements, particularly those concerning politically sensitive matters, are routed through appropriate ministries or departments via the HEC.
This directive, dated Aug. 30, 2023, demonstrates the HEC’s commitment to maintaining transparency and aligning university activities with the country’s official positions on international matters. It underscores the importance of seeking proper authorization and consultation when engaging with global organizations.
Potential ramifications
One incident, in particular, appears to have triggered this directive. Approximately a month ago, an institute at Quaid-i-Azam University reportedly initiated contact with an international entity without consulting the Foreign Office. This oversight was brought to the attention of officials, leading the Foreign Office to advise the institute and subsequently raise the issue with the HEC.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential ramifications of universities acting independently in their global engagements. By implementing this directive, the HEC aims to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure that all collaborations align with Pakistan’s foreign policy objectives.
The move has been met with mixed reactions within the academic community. While some argue that it adds an extra layer of bureaucracy to the collaborative process, others see it as a necessary step to safeguard Pakistan’s interests and prevent any unintentional misrepresentation on the international stage.
Key benefits
One of the key benefits of this directive is the involvement of the Foreign Office in the decision-making process. By consulting with this department, universities can tap into the expertise and insights of diplomats and foreign policy experts, ensuring that their collaborations are not only academically valuable but also politically sound.
Furthermore, the directive emphasizes the importance of collaboration while maintaining the integrity of Pakistan’s official stance. It encourages universities to work in tandem with relevant ministries and departments, fostering a more coordinated approach to international engagements.
In summary, Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission’s directive to seek authorization from the Foreign Office before collaborating with global organizations resonates the call of the government for higher education institutions to align with the country’s foreign policy objectives.
