A dispute has emerged between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Sindh Higher Education Commission (SINDH HEC) on the participation of university rector of an upcoming international forum planned at a discount, Morocco.

HEC has called on the principal from all over the country to participate in the forum and ask the universities to cover the travel expenses themselves. However, Sindh HEC has refused to allow universities in the province to use provincial grants for this purpose.

Sindh HEC Chairman Dr. Tariq Rafi has issued advice to the leaders of all universities in the public sector who advise them not to take on foreign trips by means of public funds, with a warning that such cases will be reported to the minister of chief, the chancellor or controlling authority of universities in Sindh.

“The Sindh government provides grants to universities that are strictly for academic and research purposes. These funds cannot be used on foreign trips,” Rafi said. He added that although the principal is free to participate in the forum at their own expense, they do not have permission to use university or government funds for the trip.

Sindh HEC recalled that it was difficult for many universities in the public sector in Sindh to even pay wages for teachers and staff. Even significant expenses were covered by loans, he said.

If such expenses for international journeys are of great need, they can only be borne after approval of the same is given by the Minister of Chief.

Sindh HEC, citing the existing policy for the universities and boards of Sindh, says the leave reviews issued for foreign trips explicitly mention that the cost of such trips will not be incurred by the government of Sindh or University Funds.

Vice Chancellors’ Forum was originally planned in Islamabad last month, but it was moved to a discount due to escalating tension between Pakistan and India, sources say.

Sindh HEC emphasized that most universities in the province are already facing financial deficits and using scarce resources on international journeys would be irresponsible.