Islamabad (Web Desk): Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to expedite the appointment of a regular Chairperson for the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a post that has remained vacant since 29 July 2025.
In a formal request submitted to the premier on behalf of APSUP, Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman highlighted the growing challenges faced by Pakistan’s higher education sector due to the prolonged leadership vacuum at the HEC, the country’s apex body responsible for policy formulation, quality assurance, research promotion, international collaboration, and governance of universities.
He emphasized that the absence of a permanent chairperson is affecting strategic decision-making, long-term planning, and effective coordination with both public and private sector universities nationwide.
Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman noted that the nine-member Search Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, had already completed the selection process transparently and on merit.
He added that panel of three shortlisted candidates has been forwarded for final consideration, but the statutory three-month timeframe for appointment, as mandated under the HEC Ordinance, has lapsed, leaving the institution without stable leadership.
On behalf of APSUP, Dr. Rehman urged the prime minister to intervene and approve the appointment without further delay, stressing that a timely decision would ensure compliance with the law, restore institutional stability, and reinforce confidence among all stakeholders in Pakistan’s higher education sector.
He further underlined that leadership at the HEC is vital for advancing research, innovation, and human capital development, which are critical for the country’s future.