ISLAMABAD ( ABRAR MUSTAFA )
A meeting of the Commission, the governing body of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), decided on Tuesday to recognize and attest only local degree and transcript awarded by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT) under Dual Degree Programme launched in collaboration with the Lancanster University UK, and that too after completion of degree requirements and accreditation by the respective Professional Council.
The meeting, held at HEC Secretariat and presided over by the Chairman HEC, clarified that degrees of Lancaster University shall not be recognized and equated by HEC owing to insufficiency of necessary academic requirements.
While considering recommendations of Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology and Public Accounts Committee, the Commission authorized HEC to only recognize and attest local CIIT degree with CIIT transcript awarded to 2532 students enrolled under CIIT-LU Dual Degree Programme.
The Commission expressed its deep concern over commencement of DDP by CIIT without completing academic and legal requirements including upfront approval of the Commission, and reiterated that no foreign programme in any manifestation should be launched by higher education institutions without formal approval of the Commission.
It was further clarified that decisions taken and communicated earlier regarding CIIT-LU DDP stand withdrawn.