University heads laud Chairman HEC for uplifting higher education sector

ISLAMABAD: Vice Chancellors of all Pakistani universities unanimously appreciated Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) for his services to the higher education sector during VC's Forum here on the completion of his four-year term.

The forum was attended by a large number of VCs in person as well as through video conferencing facility, a news release said on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Masoom Yasinzai, Chairman, Vice Chancellors Committee said, “on behalf of all VCs, I thank Dr Mukhtar Ahmed for rendering remarkable services for the development of higher education sector in the country.”

He said, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has served the sector in various capacities, worked a lot for the sector’s development and brought about a number of reforms.

Expressing their views on this occasion, Vice Chancellors appreciated Dr Mukhtar Ahmed for his accessibility, commitment and dedication. They said universities, since the start of Dr Mukhtar Ahmed’s term in 2013 as Chairman HEC, have never faced any hurdles in release of funds.

They said HEC, under his leadership, has made remarkable progress earning a good name to the sector nationally and internationally. “Dr Mukhtar Ahmed played a pivotal role in strengthening liaison and coordination within the sector and among the sector, government and all stakeholders,” they observed.

In his remarks, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed shared the overall background and achievements of HEC since its inception in 2002. He paid tribute to his predecessors who led the sector and contributed to the sector’s uplift.

He said the incumbent government pays due importance to higher education sector, adding that the government has shown confidence in HEC and increased it’s budget.

He said HEC is committed to facilitating higher education institutions to serve as an engine of socio-economic growth of the country. He urged the VCs to work together, promote ethics and values, and keep the house in order to ensure sustainability in the sector’s development.

He emphasised that universities should follow no-compromise policy on quality and governance. “Work like a family to maintain the dignity of this sector,” he underlined.

Dr Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC also appreciated Dr Mukhtar Ahmed’s efforts to enhance achievements of HEC, adding that he have proved to be “a good leader, administrator and friend”.