Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as the new Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), according to an official notification issued on February 6, 2026. The appointment, made under the authority of the Prime Minister as the controlling body, is in accordance with Section 3 of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, and is effective immediately.
The notification, issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, states that Prof. Dr. Akhtar will serve a two-year term under Section 6(5) of the HEC Ordinance, as amended by Section 2(a) of the HEC (Amendment) Act, 2021. His term will continue until further orders, providing leadership to Pakistan’s premier higher education body responsible for policy, regulation, and quality assurance in universities and degree awarding institutions across the country.
The official document, signed by Razia Ramzan Dossa, Deputy Secretary (HEC), was circulated to key government offices including the President’s Secretariat (Public), the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Division, the Establishment Division, and relevant officials in the education ministry and HEC. The appointment reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and leadership in Pakistan’s higher education sector, aligning with national priorities for academic excellence and institutional development.
Dr. Akhtar’s tenure is expected to focus on enhancing research capabilities, promoting innovation, and supporting quality assurance initiatives across universities, while implementing policies that foster higher education development and international collaboration.
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