HEC Chairman Cites Governance and Quality Assurance as Major Challenges in Pakistan’s Higher Education

Islamabad: Addressing the core issues impacting Pakistan’s higher education, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), emphasized the urgent need for enhanced governance and quality assurance during a media briefing at the HEC Secretariat. These challenges, he noted, directly influence the educational standards and research quality across public universities.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Dr. Ahmed highlighted the significant strides made in the sector over the past two decades, praising the comprehensive efforts in faculty development, research promotion, and infrastructural advancements since HEC’s establishment in 2002. Despite these achievements, he pointed out the ongoing financial struggles facing universities, exacerbated by stagnant funding amidst a rapidly increasing number of higher education institutions.

Dr. Ahmed called on both federal and provincial governments to increase their financial support for the sector, commending the Government of Sindh for its substantial contributions. He also stressed the importance of adapting to technological advancements and preparing students and faculty for the digital age through significant IT upgrades and policy initiatives.

The Chairman outlined the HEC’s efforts to integrate real-world impact into research endeavors, urging researchers to focus on studies that address the socio-economic needs of the country. He also emphasized the role of the HEC in nurturing sporting talent, with many athletes trained under its programs achieving national and international success.

Dr. Ahmed further discussed the necessity of academia-industry collaborations and the integration of entrepreneurship courses to help students become job creators, in response to the job market’s demands. He reassured that although controlling tuition fees is outside HEC’s regulatory scope, the commission is committed to supporting educational institutions through strategic policies, funding, and scholarships.

Present at the briefing were various HEC officials, including Executive Director Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum and advisors across multiple departments, highlighting a unified approach towards tackling the challenges and seizing opportunities in Pakistan’s higher education landscape.

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