ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training on Thursday approved two pivotal pieces of legislation: The Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025, and the Danish University Bill. The meeting held under the chairpersonship of Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, commenced its proceedings with a clause-by-clause examination of the Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025, a private member’s bill introduced by Senator Khalil Tahir on behalf of Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, following its prior passage by the National Assembly. Senior officials from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Higher Education Commission briefed the committee, providing comprehensive explanations of the Bill’s provisions and responding to members’ questions. During deliberations, strict adherence to statutory and regulatory quality assurance mechanisms was underscored. Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law and Justice, emphasised that all institutional affiliations must conform rigorously to the standards prescribed by the HEC, reaffirming that no compromise on academic quality would be permitted. A procedural point was raised by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, who noted that any amendment adopted at the committee stage would constitutionally require the Bill’s referral back to the National Assembly. Acknowledging the submission, the Chair directed that the prescribed legislative process be meticulously observed. With these clarifications formally recorded, the committee unanimously approved the Al-Biruni International University Bill, 2025. The committee subsequently considered the Danish University Bill, introduced with the Chair’s permission by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar. Presenting the proposal, the minister outlined the government’s vision for Danish University as a flagship public sector institution, established on the direction of the prime minister, with a strategic focus on information technology, emerging sciences, and advanced interdisciplinary research. Members were informed that an allocation of Rs 40 billion has been earmarked for the University’s establishment, complemented by the creation of a permanent endowment fund to ensure long-term financial sustainability and institutional independence. The proposed academic model seeks to provide fully funded, high-quality education to exceptionally talented students from across Pakistan, with facilities and academic standards comparable to leading private institutions. A defining feature of the Bill is its governance architecture. The committee was briefed on plans to constitute an independent and professionally structured Board of Trustees, designed to insulate the University from political and bureaucratic influence. The framework prioritizes transparency, merit-based administration, institutional autonomy, and continuity of academic vision. Commending the initiative, Chairperson Senator Bushra Anjum Butt observed that the Danish Schools network has already demonstrated the transformative impact of merit-driven education. She expressed confidence that Danish University would emerge as a premier institution of higher learning, producing world-class graduates and researchers capable of addressing national and global challenges. Following extensive deliberations, the committee unanimously approved the Danish University Bill. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026