Higher Education Commission of Pakistan HEC

Overview

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is the apex regulatory body responsible for overseeing, funding, and accrediting higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country. Established in 2002, the HEC plays a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan's higher education landscape by promoting academic excellence, research innovation, and global engagement. Its mandate encompasses policy development, quality assurance, and fostering international collaborations to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in Pakistan.

Historical and Legal Framework

The HEC was constituted in 2002 under the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, superseding the previous University Grants Commission (UGC) that had been in operation since 1974. The establishment of the HEC marked a significant shift towards a more autonomous and performance-oriented approach to higher education governance in Pakistan. The HEC's legal framework empowers it to regulate and fund public and private universities, ensuring alignment with national educational goals and international standards.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: The HEC's mission is to facilitate the development of a world-class higher education system in Pakistan by promoting quality education, fostering research and innovation, and ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities.

Vision: To establish a knowledge-based economy in Pakistan through the development of a robust higher education sector that meets international standards and contributes to national development.

Objectives:

• Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in HEIs.
• Promote research and innovation to address national and global challenges.
• Ensure equitable access to higher education for all segments of society.
• Develop and implement policies that align with national priorities and international best practices.
• Strengthen institutional governance and accountability.

Through these objectives, the HEC aims to transform Pakistan's higher education sector into a catalyst for socio-economic development and global competitiveness.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The HEC operates as an autonomous statutory body under the federal government of Pakistan. It is governed by a Chairman appointed by the Prime Minister, supported by an Executive Director and a team of professionals. The Commission comprises various divisions responsible for policy formulation, funding, quality assurance, and international collaborations. The HEC's autonomy is enshrined in its legal framework, allowing it to make independent decisions regarding higher education policies and initiatives.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

The HEC plays a central role in ensuring the quality of higher education in Pakistan through its Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The QAA develops and implements quality assurance frameworks, including the Pakistan Precepts, Standards, and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (PSG-2023), which provide a comprehensive set of standards for institutional and programmatic evaluations. These frameworks are designed to enhance the quality of teaching, learning, and research in HEIs, ensuring that they meet national and international standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The HEC actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the global standing of Pakistan's higher education sector. It has established partnerships with various international organizations and institutions, including:

• United States Agency for International Development (USAID): Collaborating on science and technology initiatives to promote research and innovation.
• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) UK: Partnering to develop and implement quality assurance frameworks and share best practices.
• European Union (EU): Engaging in academic exchange programs and research collaborations.
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): Participating in global education initiatives and policy dialogues.

These partnerships aim to foster academic exchange, enhance research capabilities, and align Pakistan's higher education system with international standards.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The HEC's initiatives are poised to have a significant impact on the future of higher education in Pakistan. Key areas of focus include:

• Digital Transformation: Implementing digital platforms to facilitate online learning, research collaboration, and administrative processes.
• Research and Innovation: Promoting research excellence through funding programs and international collaborations.
• Equity and Access: Ensuring that higher education opportunities are accessible to all segments of society, including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
• Internationalization: Enhancing global engagement through academic partnerships, student exchanges, and joint research initiatives.

These efforts aim to elevate the quality and global competitiveness of Pakistan's higher education sector, contributing to the nation's socio-economic development.

Summary

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is a cornerstone institution in the country's higher education landscape. Through its strategic initiatives in quality assurance, international cooperation, and policy development, the HEC strives to create a higher education system that is inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive. Its ongoing efforts are instrumental in shaping a knowledge-based economy and addressing the educational needs of Pakistan's diverse population.

FAQs

• What is the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan?

  The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is a statutory body responsible for overseeing, funding, and accrediting higher education institutions across the country.

• When was the HEC established?

  The HEC was established in 2002 under the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, replacing the University Grants Commission.

• What is the role of the HEC in quality assurance?

  The HEC, through its Quality Assurance Agency, develops and implements quality assurance frameworks to ensure that higher education institutions meet national and international standards.

• Does the HEC collaborate internationally?

  Yes, the HEC has established partnerships with various international organizations and institutions to enhance research capabilities and align Pakistan's higher education system with global standards.

• What are the HEC's future priorities?

  The HEC's future priorities include promoting digital transformation, fostering research and innovation, ensuring equitable access to higher education, and enhancing international engagement.

Organization Name

Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

Acronym

HEC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1947

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Sector H-9
Islamabad
Islamabad Capital Territory Pakistan

Phone

+92 (51) 9040 0000

Fax

+92 (51) 9040 0000

List of universities in Pakistan recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC):

Azad Jammu & Kashmir

• Al-Khair University
• Mirpur University of Science & Technology
• Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University
• The Azad Jammu & Kashmir University of Bhimber
• University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir
• University of Kotli
• University of Poonch
• Women University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir

Balochistan

• Al-Hamd Islamic University
• Balochistan University of Engineering & Technology
• Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering & Management Sciences (BUITEMS)
• Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences
• Mir Chakar Khan Rind University, Sibi Balochistan
• Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University
• The Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Quetta
• University of Balochistan
• University of Gwadar
• University of Loralai
• University of Makran, Panjgur
• University of Turbat

Gilgit Baltistan

• Karakurum International University
• University of Baltistan, Skardu

Islamabad Capital Territory

• Air University
• Allama Iqbal Open University
• Bahria University
• Capital University of Science & Technology
• COMSATS University, Islamabad
• Dar-ul-Madina International University, Islamabad
• Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences & Technology
• Foundation University
• Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad
• Ibadat International University, Islamabad
• International Islamic University
• Institute of Space Technology
• MY University
• National Defense University
• National Skills University, Islamabad
• National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences
• National University of Medical Sciences
• National University of Modern Languages
• National University of Sciences & Technology
• National University of Technology (NUTECH), Islamabad
• Pakistan Institute of Development Economics
• Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences
• Quaid-i-Azam University
• Riphah International University
• Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University
• Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
• Sir Syed (CASE) Institute of Technology, Islamabad

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Abasyn University
• Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST)
• Abdul Wali Khan University
• Bacha Khan University
• Brains Institute Peshawar
• CECOS University of Information Technology & Emerging Sciences
• City University of Science and Information Technology
• Gandhara University
• Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences & Technology
• Gomal University
• Hazara University
• Iqra National University
• Islamia College Peshawar
• Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu
• Khushal Khan Khattak University
• Khyber Medical University
• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Agricultural University
• Kohat University of Science and Technology
• Northern University
• Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Haripur
• Pakistan Military Academy
• Preston University, Kohat
• Qurtaba University of Science & Information Technology
• Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University
• Shuhada-e-Army Public School University of Technology, Nowshera
• The University of Agriculture, D. I. Khan
• The University of Agriculture, Swat
• University of Buner
• University of Chitral
• University of Engineering & Technology
• University of Engineering & Technology (UET), Mardan
• University of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Swat
• University of FATA
• University of Haripur
• University of Lakki Marwat
• University of Malakand
• University of Peshawar
• University of Science & Technology
• University of Swabi
• University of Swat
• Woman University Swabi
• Women University Mardan

Punjab

• Ali Institute of Education
• Al-Karam International Institute, Bhera
• Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib
• Bahauddin Zakariya University
• Beaconhouse National University
• Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur
• Emerson University, Multan
• Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad
• Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore
• Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi
• Forman Christian College
• Ghazi National Institute of Engineering and Sciences, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan
• GIFT University
• Global Institute, Lahore [HEC-NOC SUSPENDED] (ADMISSIONS HAVE BEEN STOPPED BY HEC FROM FALL 2016)
• Government College for Women University, Sialkot
• Government College University, Faisalabad
• Government College University, Lahore
• Government College Women University, Faisalabad
• Government Sadiq College Women University
• Hajvery University
• HITEC University
• Imperial College of Business Studies
• Information Technology University of the Punjab
• Institute for Art and Culture
• Institute of Management Sciences
• International Institute of Science, Arts and Technology, Gujranwala
• Islamia University
• King Edward Medical University
• Kinnaird College for Women
• Kohsar University, Murree
• Lahore College for Women University
• Lahore Garrison University
• Lahore Institute of Science & Technology, Lahore
• Lahore Leads University
• Lahore School of Economics
• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences, Lahore
• Lahore University of Management Sciences
• Minhaj University
• Mir Chakar Khan Rind University of Technology, Dera Ghazi Khan
• Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture
• Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Engineering & Technology
• Multan University of Science & Technology, Multan
• Namal University, Mainwali
• National College of Arts
• National College of Business Administration & Economics
• National University of Pakistan
• National Textile University
• NFC Institute of Engineering & Technology
• Nishtar Medical University, Multan
• Nur International University
• Pakistan Global Institute, Rawat
• Pakistan Institute of Fashion & Design
• Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University
• Punjab Tianjin University of Technology, Lahore
• Punjab University of Technology, Rasul-Mandi Bahauddin
• Qarshi University
• Rashid Latif Khan University, Lahore
• Rawalpindi Medical University
• Rawalpindi Women University, Rawalpindi
• The Grand Asian University, Sialkot
• The Green International University, Lahore
• The Superior University
• The University of Faisalabad
• The Women University
• Thal University, Bhakkar
• Times Institute, Multan
• University of Agriculture
• University of Central Punjab
• University of Chakwal, Chakwal
• University of Chenab, Gujrat
• University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore
• University of Education
• University of Engineering & Technology
• University of Engineering & Technology, Taxila
• University of Gujrat
• University of Health Sciences
• University of Home Economics, Lahore
• University of Jhang
• University of Kamalia
• University of Layyah
• University of Mianwali
• University of Narowal
• University of Okara
• University of Sahiwal
• University of Sargodha
• University of Sialkot, Sialkot
• University of South Asia
• University of Southern Punjab
• University of the Punjab
• University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
• University of Wah
• Virtual University of Pakistan

Sindh

• Aga Khan University
• Al-Ghazali University
• Al-Kawthar University, Karachi
• Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur
• Baqai Medical University
• Begum Nustrat Bhutto Women University, Sukkur
• Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari
• Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology & Skill Development, Khairpur Mirs
• Commecs Institute of Business & Emerging Sciences
• Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education
• Dawood University of Engineering & Technology
• DHA Suffa University
• DOW University of Health Sciences
• Emaan Institute of Management & Sciences, Karachi
• Gambat Institute of Medical Sciences
• Government College University, Hyderabad
• Greenwich University
• Habib University
• Hamdard University
• Hands-Institute of Development Studies, Karachi
• Hyderabad Institute for Technology & Management Sciences
• Ibn-e-Sina University, Mirpurkhas
• ILMA University
• Indus University
• Indus Valley School of Art & Architecture
• Institute of Business Administration
• Institute of Business Management
• Iqra University
• Isra University
• Jinnah Sindh Medical University
• Jinnah University for Women
• Karachi Institute of Economics & Technology
• Karachi Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (KITE), Karachi
• Karachi Metropolitan University, Karachi
• Karachi School of Business and Leadership
• KASB Institute of Technology
• Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences
• Malir University of Science & Technology, Karachi
• Mehran University of Engineering & Technology
• Metropolitan University Karachi
• Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Karachi
• Muhammad Ali Jinnah University
• NED University of Engineering & Technology
• Newport Institute of Communications & Economics
• PAF Air War College Institute, Karachi
• Pakistan Naval Academy
• Peoples University of Medical & Health Sciences for Women
• Preston Institute of Management, Science & Technology
• Preston University, Karachi
• Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Sciences & Technology
• Saifee Burhani University, Karachi
• Salim Habib University (Former Barret Hodgson University), Karachi
• Shah Abdul Latif University
• Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Arts, Design and Heritages, Jamshoro
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto City University
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
• Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Shaheed Benazirabad
• Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University
• Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology
• Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law
• Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam
• Sindh Institute of Management & Technology
• Sindh Institute of Medical Sciences
• Sindh Madresatul Islam University
• Sohail University, Karachi
• Sukkur IBA University
• Textile Institute of Pakistan
• The Nazeer Hussain University
• The Shaikh Ayaz University, Shikarpur Sindh
• The Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi
• UIT University, Karachi
• University of Art and Culture, Jamshoro
• University of Karachi
• University of Modern Sciences, Tando Muhammad Khan
• University of Sindh
• University of Sufism and Modern Sciences, Bhitshah Sindh
• Zia-ud-Din University

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Higher Education Commission of Pakistan's Facebook page

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Higher Education Commission of Pakistan's X page

LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Higher Education Commission of Pakistan's Wikipedia article

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