ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A total of 2,707 persons were studying abroad as HEC Scholars on government expenses during 2018-19, the National Assembly was told.
Responding to a question on Thursday, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood told the House that the total numbers of 1,368 (1,108 Engineering & Technology and 260 Biological & Medical Sciences) professionals were amongst the above 2,707 persons.
Shafqat Mahmood told that since 2018-19, out of above, total numbers of 251 have completed PhD and were successful to find an appropriate job after returning Country. He told that a total of 119 were already employed and 57 have joined universities/R&D organizations.
In addition, the minister told that 50 persons have been absorbed under HEC Special Initiative titled “Interim Placement of Fresh PhD” (IPFP) and the remaining 25 persons are under process of placement at universities under IPFP.
To another question, Shafqat Mahmood told that no consultants have been appointed against BPS-21; however, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has hired consultants on a contract basis as per the approved policy of the Commission.
