Regulator halts expansion over quality and capacity concerns
The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan has imposed an immediate ban on the establishment and operation of new universities and their sub-campuses at the tehsil level across the country, according to a directive issued on Monday. Higher Education Commission Pakistan confirmed the decision through an official letter sent to vice-chancellors and rectors of public universities.
Moreover, the letter, issued by Chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, states that the restriction specifically targets sub-campuses at the tehsil level. Consequently, institutions must halt all related activities, including land acquisition, construction, admissions, teaching, and operations.
In addition, the commission exercised its authority under the HEC Ordinance 2002 to enforce the ban after a comprehensive review of academic and administrative performance. Officials concluded that many tehsil-level sub-campuses lack the necessary structure to sustain long-term educational standards.
Quality concerns drive policy shift in higher education
Furthermore, the assessment highlighted persistent challenges faced by such campuses. These include difficulties in hiring and retaining qualified PhD faculty, limited student enrollment, and restricted academic programmes. As a result, many campuses struggle to maintain consistent educational quality.
Meanwhile, the review also identified gaps in essential infrastructure. Many sub-campuses lack laboratories, technical facilities, student accommodation, and adequate learning resources. Therefore, the commission determined that these limitations hinder the delivery of effective higher education.
Overall, the HEC stated that the decision aims to protect academic standards and ensure sustainable development within Pakistan’s higher education sector.
