ISLAMABAD: The appointment of the chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) continues to face delays, although the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training remains hopeful that the process will be completed in the coming days.
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The position fell vacant on July 30 following the completion of the tenure of Dr Mukhtar Ahmed. Since then, the affairs of the commission have been managed by the secretary education in an acting capacity, a situation that has raised concerns within academic circles over policy continuity and decision-making.
According to officials, more than 750 candidates applied after the post was advertised. A search committee constituted earlier this year reviewed the applications and shortlisted three candidates, whose names have now been forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office for final selection.
A source in the education ministry said that around 10 days ago, a summary was moved through the relevant departments for onward submission to the PM Office. “We are hopeful that the appointment will be made anytime soon,” the source said, adding that the delay was procedural rather than intentional.
The three shortlisted candidates include former vice chancellor of NED University Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, and Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab Dr Mohammad Ali. Officials clarified that no ranking or numbering was assigned to the candidates, and their names were included in the summary in alphabetical order.
In June, Prime Minister had constituted a search committee headed by Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. The committee also included the state minister for education and several higher education experts and has since completed its mandate.
Insiders say the incoming HEC chairman will face multiple challenges, including persistent funding shortages for public sector universities, delays in development grants, and growing administrative and governance issues within higher education institutions.
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They added that internal reforms at the HEC secretariat, improved coordination with universities, and restoring confidence among faculty and researchers will also be key priorities for the new chairman, making the timely appointment critical for the sector.