Countering plagiarism and HEC

Sir: Pakistani universities are under severe criticism for plagiarism, an intellectual theft perpetrated with impunity by the teaching community of universities. The chief cause of plagiarism is avarice for academic promotions. The Higher Education Commission has aptly and timely contemplated to eradicate intellectual theft from Pakistani universities. All and sundry in the country would welcome it. The best way to check it is the initial appointment of faculty in universities. It is a common fact that appointments in universities are made purely on the basis of nepotism and favouritism. Most teachers in universities are not paying due attention to the studies. The universities are rife with a culture of corruption. Hence, they are unable to devote their energies to research and academic development. Their academic performance is manifested in the reports published by the Federal and Provincial Public Service Commissions.

The HEC may consider not only checking plagiarism but also the over all standard of education in universities. The best practical way to curb plagiarism is to make appointment purely on merit through the Federal Public Service Commission as college professors are appointed through Provincial Public Service Commissions throughout Pakistan. The HEC would consider this proposition in the best interest of teaching standards and curbing enormous evils prevalent in universities, which are eroding the foundation of our nation.
PROFESSOR ABDUL QAYUM MANGI
Sukkur