ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (APP):The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has initiated measures to strengthen regulatory oversight of foreign qualification-awarding bodies and examination boards operating in Pakistan, with a focus on student protection, examination standards and compliance with the prescribed regulatory framework.
The measures were discussed at a meeting chaired by IBCC Executive Director Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah at the IBCC Secretariat in Islamabad.
The meeting reviewed key aspects of Transnational Education (TNE), particularly the need to protect students’ interests, maintain examination standards and ensure that foreign qualification-awarding bodies comply with the IBCC Regulatory Framework.
Participants discussed the development of a comprehensive quality assurance and monitoring mechanism for foreign qualification-awarding bodies and their associated teaching and examination centres. The proposed mechanism will focus on regulatory compliance, institutional accountability and the credibility of qualifications offered in Pakistan.
Dr. Mallah reaffirmed the IBCC’s commitment to facilitating foreign qualification-awarding bodies while ensuring transparency, accountability and compliance with prescribed standards. He stressed that protecting students’ interests and maintaining the integrity of the examination system remain central to the commission’s regulatory responsibilities.
As part of the consultation process, the IBCC will hold a meeting with representatives of foreign qualification-awarding bodies next week. The meeting will address regulatory matters, improve coordination and discuss the proposed quality assurance measures.
The regulatory initiative covers foreign bodies offering Secondary School Certificate (SSC), Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) and equivalent Level 3 qualifications in Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Shahzad Ali Gill, Director Accreditation and International Linkages; Irfan Ali Ansari, Director Media; Sadia Naz, Deputy Director Capacity Building; and Muhammad Kashif, Deputy Director IT.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
