ISLAMABAD (APP) - National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training expressed serious concerns over the selection of 500 nurses for NCLEX Nursing Training Programme, noting that the opportunity had not been publicly advertised and that candidates had been nominated by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC).
During the 24th Meeting under the Acting Chairmanship of Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, MNA at Committee Room, Parliament House, here, it sought an explanation regarding the selection of the International Center for Skills (ICS) as the implementing partner for the NCLEX Nursing Training Programme, said a press release on Monday.
While informed that the programme aims to prepare Pakistani registered nurses for international licensure and employment, the Committee sought clarification on its transparency.
Highlighting that approximately Rs300,000 is being spent on each trainee from the public exchequer, the Committee questioned the transparency and merit of the selection process.
Seeking further clarity, the Committee directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to provide comprehensive details regarding the selection of the implementing partner, the nomination criteria, and the overall implementation framework of the programme.
The Committee expressed serious concern over the persistent administrative and faculty-related issues at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, observing that the prolonged failure to address these matters has adversely affected the University’s governance and functioning.
During the briefing, the Committee was informed that financial constraints had resulted in delays in the payment of salaries and pensions to faculty members, employees, and retired staff, giving rise to significant administrative challenges and employee grievances.
The Committee emphasized that it is the responsibility of the University’s leadership to proactively address these issues by engaging the relevant authorities and pursuing the necessary financial support.
Members criticized the apparent lack of urgency in resolving the longstanding problems, warning that continued inaction on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University would further aggravate institutional instability and undermine the welfare of the University’s employees.
To thoroughly examine the matter, the Committee decided to seek a comprehensive response from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training through a detailed questionnaire covering the University’s financial, administrative, and governance issues.