QAU, IPDF discuss proposals for Public-Private Partnership

A joint delegation of Infrastructure Project Development Facility (IPDF) and Higher Education Commission (HEC) visited Quaid-i-Azam University here on Thursday.

The delegation held detailed meeting with Vice Chancellor of QAU Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and deans during which Chief Executive Officer of IPDF Adil Anwar presented different proposals for Public- Private Partnership in education and health sectors.

The Vice Chancellor showed keen interest in establishing a medical college and an institute of technology within the premises of the university campus under Public-Private Partnership mechanism.

He said the University can easily accommodate both institutes as it has quality human resource (Faculty) and infrastructure, adding it is the need of hour that public sector universities should reduce there dependence on national exchequer.

Adil Anwar said on the occasion that the public-private partnership in education sector is very common around the globe. In Pakistan there is a lot of participation of private sector in education but a partnership of public sector and private sector for a joint educational facility at this level would be something new for Pakistan.

He said meeting and presentation ended on a positive note, they have full support of the Vice Chancellor and the Deans present at the meeting due to the fact that the resources and technical assistance would be extended by the private sector.

It was proposed that a project steering committee comprising representatives from IPDF, HEC and QAU would be formed to oversee the technical consultants in preparation of the feasibility reports and needs & options analysis.
Director General (Planning) of HEC Dr. M. Mazhar Saeed also accompanied the delegation.-ENDS