ISLAMABAD: Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has officially concluded his three year tenure as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), with the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training appointing Mr. Nadeem Mahbub, the ministry’s Secretary, as Acting Chairperson for a three-month interim period or until a new appointment is finalized.
The leadership change comes at a critical moment for Pakistan’s higher education sector, which is facing mounting challenges including financial instability, declining admissions, and contested academic reforms. Public universities such as Quaid-i-Azam University, Allama Iqbal Open University, and Federal Urdu University are particularly affected by delayed salaries and pensions, policy uncertainty, and lack of student support mechanisms.
One of the most controversial events during Dr. Mukhtar’s term was the dismissal of former Executive Director Dr. Zia ul Qayyum, viewed by many as politically influenced. Although officially labeled an administrative move, the matter remains under legal scrutiny. Supporters argue that Dr. Zia’s contributions and reforms merit fair judicial review.
Curriculum decisions have also sparked debate, particularly the sudden imposition of Islamic Studies as a mandatory subject in the first semester across universities, a policy implemented without broad faculty or senate consultation.
In his farewell letter to vice chancellors and institutional heads, Dr. Mukhtar acknowledged collaborative efforts during his tenure but avoided direct mention of the ongoing institutional difficulties or criticisms raised by universities.
Meanwhile, unresolved issues such as the prolonged vacancy of the Vice Chancellor post at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and delays in the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme have further deepened sector-wide frustration.
With Mr. Mahbub stepping in, education stakeholders are urging a shift toward inclusive governance, financial recovery, and policy transparency to restore confidence across Pakistan’s academic landscape.
