ISLAMABAD – The Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, addressed a press conference today detailing a comprehensive modernization framework for Pakistan's higher education sector. The Chairman emphasized that digitalizing the country's 282 universities is a top national priority to align Pakistani institutions with global academic standards.
Institutional Reforms and Digital E-Ticketing for Degrees
Highlighting administrative transparency, Dr. Niaz Ahmad announced that all critical institutional policies are now being routed systematically through the commission. Within the last three months, the HEC has convened two full commission reviews alongside three high-level sessions of the Accreditation Council.
In a major relief for alumni and students, the HEC has completely shifted its degree verification process online. The commission is now issuing digital 'e-tickets,' eliminating the need for manual processing and physical visits to HEC offices.
Strategic Tech Alliances: AI and Cybersecurity Academic Hubs
To foster high-tech research, the HEC has established specialized Centers of Excellence across the country through targeted institutional clustering:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Twelve premier institutions have been linked with the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) to lead research and development in AI architectures.
Cybersecurity: Twelve academic centers have been successfully aligned under the core supervision of Air University to build national defense capabilities in the digital domain.
Specialized Councils: The HEC has constituted 10 to 12 regulatory and research councils covering vital educational segments, including the Social Sciences and Life Sciences.
Upward Trajectory in Global University Rankings
The Chairman reported significant breakthroughs regarding the international footprint of local institutions. A dedicated task force on global rankings was instituted three months ago, yieldings rapid dividends. Currently, 30 diverse Pakistani academic programs have successfully accelerated into the world's top 50 to 400 elite university rankings.
Policy Directive: Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar confirmed that multiple specialized task forces are presently finalizing operational roadmaps. Their comprehensive recommendations are scheduled to surface within the coming weeks, serving as the benchmark for upcoming executive policy decisions across the higher education spectrum.