Report: Parliamentary Reporter ANI:
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence has recommended the passage of the National University of Pakistan (NUP) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and directed the Ministry of Defence to pursue the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to expedite possession of land and construction of the university's permanent campus in Sector I-17, Islamabad.
The committee also directed that quarterly medical camps be organised for communities living near the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (KANUPP) to improve healthcare facilities and promote community welfare.
The committee meeting was held under the chairmanship of MNA Sardar Fateh Ullah Khan. Members Ibrar Ahmad, Daniyal Ahmed, Saba Sadiq, Isphandyar M. Bhandara, Dr Sharmila Faruqui, Ramesh Lal, Sanjay Perwani, Muhammad Ijaz-ul-Haq, Pullain Baloch and Raja Osama Sarwar attended the meeting. Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Secretary Defence and senior officials of the Ministries of Defence and Law and Justice were also present.
The committee was informed that the National University of Pakistan, established under the NUP Act 2023, aims to standardise BS programmes across 45 Federal Government Colleges, benefiting more than 200,000 students. The initiative seeks to address disparities in curricula, admissions, examinations and grading systems.
The university has been recognised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), and its secretariat is operational. However, the establishment of its permanent campus in Sector I-17, Islamabad, remains pending.
The proposed amendment bill provides for a three-year tenure for the Rector, with the possibility of annual extensions for up to two additional years, subject to approval by the Board.
The committee also urged the Ministry to pursue direct flight connections between Pakistan and the Maldives, as well as between Karachi and Baku, Azerbaijan, to promote trade and tourism.
It was further briefed on proposed renovation projects at Karachi and Lahore airports, including the establishment of a cargo village and expansion of capacity at Lahore Airport.
Reviewing community welfare measures around KANUPP, the committee acknowledged the facility's contribution to nuclear energy and local employment. It stressed the need for sustainable healthcare facilities for nearby communities and directed the organisation of quarterly medical camps in coordination with hospitals, volunteer doctors and NGOs, without affecting the plant's operational responsibilities.
The committee was also briefed on the merger of the Ministry of Defence Production into the Ministry of Defence and the integration of the Directorate General of Defence Procurement (DGDP) into its administrative structure. A detailed briefing on the restructuring was scheduled for a subsequent meeting.
