Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as the new Chairman of the Higher Education Commission. The appointment was confirmed through an official government notification. The notification was issued on February 6, 2026. The decision marks a key development in Pakistan’s higher education leadership.
The appointment has been made under the legal framework of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002. Officials said the move aims to strengthen governance and academic standards. The new chairman will lead the country’s top higher education regulatory body.
The Higher Education Commission plays a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s academic future. It oversees universities, research funding, and quality assurance. Leadership at the HEC is considered critical for education reforms and policy implementation.
Official Notification and Legal Framework
According to the notification, the prime minister approved the appointment in his role as the controlling authority. The approval was granted under Section 3 of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
The document clearly states that Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar has been appointed for a fixed term. His tenure will be for two years. The appointment is made under Section 6(5) of the HEC Ordinance. This provision was amended through Section 2(a) of the HEC Amendment Act, 2021.
Officials confirmed that the appointment takes immediate effect. It will remain valid until further orders are issued. This ensures continuity in leadership at the commission. The decision reflects the government’s intent to maintain stability within the higher education system.
The notification carries legal weight and formal authority. It outlines the statutory basis of the appointment. The use of amended legislation highlights recent changes in HEC governance rules. These amendments were introduced to improve administrative efficiency.
Role and Responsibilities of the New HEC Chairman
As Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Akhtar will oversee major policy decisions. He will be responsible for regulating public and private universities. Academic quality assurance will be a core focus area. Research development and funding allocation will also fall under his mandate.
The chairman plays a key role in faculty development programs. Scholarship schemes and international collaborations are managed through the HEC. The commission also sets standards for curriculum and accreditation. These responsibilities directly impact students and institutions nationwide.
Education experts view the appointment as significant. Leadership at the HEC influences innovation and research output. The chairman also works closely with federal and provincial governments. Coordination with universities is essential for policy implementation.
Prof. Dr. Akhtar is expected to focus on reforms and modernization. Digital education, research excellence, and global rankings remain national priorities. The government has emphasized improving higher education outcomes. The new chairman’s leadership will be closely watched.
Distribution of Notification and Government Coordination
The official notification was signed by Razia Ramzan Dossa. She serves as Deputy Secretary for the Higher Education Commission. Her signature confirms administrative approval and execution of the decision.
Copies of the notification were circulated to key government offices. These included the President’s Secretariat (Public). The Prime Minister’s Office also received the document. Other recipients included the Cabinet Division and the Establishment Division.
Relevant officials within the Ministry of Federal Education were informed. Senior officers at the Higher Education Commission also received copies. This ensured transparency and coordination across departments.
Officials said the circulation process reflects standard government procedure. It allows smooth implementation of leadership changes. All stakeholders are formally notified through official channels.
The appointment signals the government’s continued focus on education reform. Strengthening higher education remains a national goal. The new chairman’s term will play a crucial role in shaping future policies.
