CM Sarfraz bows universities reforms, salary standardization, merit-based hiring, modern curriculum prioritized

QUETTA:Balochistan Chief Minister (CM) Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that merit-based hiring and transparent governance must be strictly enforced in all university operations, including faculty appointments and departmental development.

The CM met with Vice Chancellors from various public universities across the province to bring reforms and make it profitable.

The meeting, held under the leadership of Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Durrani, focused on addressing financial and administrative challenges facing the province’s higher education institutions.

The discussion brought together senior officials including Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary for Higher Education Saleh Baloch, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Babar Khan, Secretary Finance Imran Zarkoon, and the heads of various universities.

The meeting resulted in a major decision to introduce a uniform salary system in all universities. The move aims to eliminate discrepancies in pay among university staff and ensure fairness in compensation.

The government will discourage and phase out excessive recruitment of support staff, with a focus on maintaining efficiency and controlling administrative overhead.

In the meeting, the CM directed the universities administration to discontinue irrelevant or outdated departments and instead promote modern disciplines aligned with current technological and economic trends to better prepare students for the job market.

The CM urged institutions to explore practical avenues for generating their own revenue, thereby reducing reliance on government funding.

Recognizing the holistic development of students, CM Bugti called for the promotion of non-academic activities within universities that foster critical thinking, leadership, and civic engagement.

Addressing to the participants of the meeting CM said “Teachers hold an esteemed position in society, they are the ones who guide both the youth and the nation.”

“University activities should help strengthen students’ sense of connection with the state. Buildings alone don’t create quality education; it is the teaching process that truly defines success,” he added.

This meeting marks a significant commitment by the Balochistan government to enhance the quality, efficiency, and relevance of higher education in the province. The reforms aim to empower youth, support educators, and align the academic sector with national development goals.