Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri has said that all mandatory measures would be taken to strengthen the higher education sector across the country. In an exclusive talk with APP here on Friday, the HEC chairman said that he intends to strengthen national educational institutes to bring them up to the standard of international universities. Sharing his priorities in the education sector, he vowed to focus on the promotion of quality education as it was the only way to secure place among the top ranked universities of the world. He also stressed the need for granting more autonomy to the universities, saying the step will automatically nourish higher education commission. “Quality research in higher education is vital to meet market demands, especially to compete with the top ranked world universities, and HEC will give priority to it,” he said. The HEC chairman underlined the need for skill development and capacity building of the faculty at universities in teaching methods by providing them special training. He said that academic issues will be resolved on priority basis, adding that in this regard the commission will start its work from Balochistan’s higher educational institutes. The student unions should be restored as they develop knowledge about political system among students, he opined. He said that flaws should be removed from the student unions, adding that he himself has been part of the student unions in his youth. “We, like private schools, can provide quality education in government educational institutions because all students are bright … we just need to overcome the weaknesses of faculties and students. We have to improve their English and Maths and develop their computer skills to bring them at par with private institutes,” he said. Published in Daily Times, June 23rd 2018.