HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION H-9, ISLAMABAD. PAKISTAN Prof. Dr. Zia UI-Qayyum No. HEC/ACAD/UGEP/2024/3 Executive Director Thursday, the September 19, 2024 Subject: OFFERING OF A COURSE OF PAKISTAN STUDIES IN UNDERGRADAUTE DEGREE PROGRAMS Respected Vice Chancellor/Rector/Head of the Institute, The Higher Education Commission (HEC) developed the Undergraduate Education Policy (V 1.1) after extensive consultations and feedback from various stakeholders within the higher education sector across the country. This policy, finalized and issued in July 2023, was crafted with the intention of ensuring that students receive a holistic education that prepares them as well-rounded individuals. 2. One of the key components of this policy is the inclusion of a general education requirement, consisting of eleven (11) mandatory courses for all undergraduate degree programs. Among these, the course of “Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan” has been specifically designed to expand the students. knowledge base, building on their prior understanding of Pakistan Studies. However, it is noted that there are some concerns within the higher education community regarding the limited scope of the course as the same does not adequately cover the range of topics around Pakistan Studies. Some universities have also highlighted that their Acts or Charters necessitate the offering of the course of “Pakistan Studies” as a mandatory component for the award of degrees, and that the course of “Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan” may not satisfy this requirement. 3. In view of these concerns and in recognition of the importance of the course of “Pakistan Studies”, all the varsities are hereby advised to offer the course of “Pakistan Studies” of two-credits in all undergraduate degree programs without substituting it with the course of “Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan”. For the guidance of the varsities, the two courses as designed by HEC are enclosed with this letter for use and reference. (Prof. Dr. Zia UI-Qayyum) Vice Chancellors / Rectors / Heads of the Institutes All Public and Private Sector Universities / DAIs of Pakistan
