The federal cabinet of Pakistan has granted approval to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Amendment Bill 2023. The bill grants the prime minister the controlling authority over the Higher Education Commission.

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Under the amendments, the prime minister now has the power to remove the HEC chairman before the completion of their employment period. Previously, the HEC chairman was solely answerable to the chief executive of the federal government.

With these changes, the HEC becomes the sole regulatory authority for all higher education institutions across the country. The government has also removed the provision equating the powers of the HEC chairman to that of a federal minister.

Following the 18th amendment, the powers of the HEC had been diminished. Earlier, the federal cabinet, based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, gave its initial approval to the Higher Education Commission Amendment Bill 2023. The amendment aims to bring innovation to the higher education system in line with the requirements of the present era.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the Federal Urdu University for Arts, Science, and Technology Amendment Bill 2023, which aims to introduce reforms in the university and promote research. It also sanctioned the National Commission for Human Development Amendment Ordinance 2002.

Furthermore, the cabinet authorized the submission of the Private Security Services Regulatory Bill to the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC). This bill proposes the establishment of a Private Security Services Regulatory Authority to oversee the security system.

The approval of the HEC Amendment Bill and other related measures by the federal cabinet marks significant steps towards enhancing the higher education system, promoting research, and ensuring effective regulation of security services in Pakistan.