ISLAMABAD: The 47th meeting of the Commission, the apex governing body of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), was held here on Friday.
The meeting, chaired by Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman HEC, deliberated on a wide range of strategic policy matters aimed at strengthening the quality, relevance, governance, and future-readiness of Pakistan’s higher education sector.
The Commission held wide-ranging discussions on a number of strategic policy matters concerning the future direction of Pakistan’s higher education sector. Deliberations covered initiatives aimed at strengthening quality assurance frameworks, enhancing graduate competencies, modernizing academic standards, and promoting institutional effectiveness through evidence-based policy interventions.
Among other matters, the Commission deliberated on issues relating to the implementation of Outcome Based Education across higher education institutions, development of standardised Programme Learning Outcomes, and measures for strengthening quality enhancement and graduate competency assessment.
Members also considered proposals relating to the modernization of the regulatory framework governing the establishment of new higher education institutions, with a view to aligning institutional development with evolving national priorities and international best practices.
The Commission further discussed initiatives intended to promote academic innovation and internationalization of undergraduate education, including a structured approach for recognition of liberal arts programmes within the existing regulatory framework while ensuring consistency with national quality standards.
Members reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a balanced regulatory environment that encourages academic diversity, institutional excellence, and continuous improvement across the higher education sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to excellence, innovation, and good governance, the Commission underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, robust quality assurance mechanisms, and forward-looking reforms to ensure that Pakistan’s higher education system remains responsive to emerging national needs and global developments.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments