LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun has said private sector universities are autonomous in their financial affairs and the provincial government cannot regulate their fee structure.

He was addressing a press conference here on Wednesday. He clarified that the government cannot tell universities to reduce their fees.

He said the government only takes steps to make the fee of government universities accessible to the general public.

The Punjab government has set up 21 new universities in 4 years and encouraged universities in the private sector.

He said that on private members day all private universities acquiring a charter have been mandated to start enrollment of students after implementing all the rules and regulations being set by the Higher Education Department (HED) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The Higher Education Department of Punjab (PHED) will assist these universities and their cases will be sent to the HEC within 10 days. When they meet all legal requirements and get approvals, they will be given permission to open enrollment in Punjab.

Humayun said the HEC Punjab has the legal right to check a university and immediately recommend action on violation of rules and regulations.

To a question on the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, he said that a search committee has been formed by the government which will soon send its recommendations.