HEC Introduces Major Reforms in Graduate Policy, Excludes Compulsory Pakistan Studies
In a groundbreaking development, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its graduate policy, marking a significant shift by eliminating the mandatory subject “Study of Pakistan” from all Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
Effective from the Scheme of Studies 2023, the latest HEC graduate policy no longer mandates students in BA, BSc, and all honors degree programs to undertake Pakistan Studies as a compulsory subject, according to official sources.
Dr. Amjad Magsi, General Secretary of the Punjab University Academic Staff Association, and representatives of the Federation of All Pakistan Academic Staff Association have voiced their reservations. They emphasized that Pakistan Studies has been an integral component of the graduate curriculum for several decades.
Despite concerns about the potential impact on national sentiments, critics argue that the decision to replace Pakistan Studies should reconsidered. They stress the unique identity and historical significance embedded in the subject at the graduate level, recommending the reinstatement of its mandatory status.
Amidst discussions within academic circles, a spokesperson for the HEC clarified that universities retain autonomy in shaping their curriculum and not bound by policy directives.
This decision sparks a broader conversation about finding the right balance between adapting to evolving educational needs and preserving the cultural and historical roots embedded in academic studies.
As the HEC’s move generates discussions, it underscores the ongoing debate about the delicate equilibrium between meeting contemporary educational requirements and safeguarding the rich cultural and historical tapestry woven into academic pursuits.
