AFEIC Conference: Syed Abidi calls for ethical standards, regulation

LAHORE:Syed Abidi, a veteran educationist and acclaimed career counsellor, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 5th Annual Members Conference of the Association of Foreign Education & Immigration Consultants (AFEIC), held at a local hotel here on Thursday.

His remarks underscored the need for developing a framework to regulate and expand the education and immigration consultancy sector in Pakistan. Addressing a distinguished gathering of members from across the country, Mr Abidi emphasised the importance of ethical standards in what he described as a sacred profession. He highlighted the responsibility that education and immigration consultants bear, not only in facilitating students' education abroad but also in representing Pakistan on an international stage.

‘In the absence of government-level regulations for education and immigration consultants in Pakistan, it is imperative that we develop and follow our own framework,’ Abidi stated. He called for unbiased and transparent practices to build trust and expand business, noting that many neighboring countries require a licence for such consultants, a regulation not yet implemented in Pakistan.

Syed Abidi highlighted the disparity between Pakistan and its neighboring countries in terms of regulatory practices for education and immigration consultants. ‘In countries like India and Bangladesh, consultants are required to obtain a license, which ensures a certain standard of professionalism and accountability,’ he noted. ‘We must strive for similar standards in Pakistan to elevate our industry and protect the interests of our students.’

Mr Abidi, a recipient of the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz, described the profession as honourable and prestigious and demanded the same recognition in Pakistan. He stressed the need for professional training and offered his services to help develop industry standards and practices. ‘This profession holds immense responsibility; we must uphold ethical standards to ensure the best for our students and the country's reputation,’ he added.

He emphasised the need for continuous professional development. ‘Training and education for consultants are crucial. It's not just about sending students abroad; it's about guiding them ethically and responsibly every step of the way,’ Abidi added.

Following ethical rules, he also emphasised that education consultants should not become tools for, or inadvertently contribute to, human trafficking or any other forms of exploitation. The conference also saw addresses by other notable speakers, including Mian Abuzar Shad, president of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Jawad Khan from the British Council; and Faisal Azeem, Managing Director of International Business at Global University Systems. Prominent figures, such as Syed Azeem Ali, Chairman of AFEIC, Shahid Ghani, President of AFEIC, Miss Shaheena, and Siddique Minhas, and others contributed to the successful organisation of the conference.

The event provided a platform for education and immigration consultants to discuss industry challenges and explore avenues for collaboration and improvement. With Mr Abidi’s compelling call for ethical standards and regulation, the AFEIC aims to bring about positive changes in the sector.