APSUP Demands Merit-Based Selection of HEC Chief

News Desk

Islamabad: The Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) has urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure a transparent and merit-based process for the appointment of the next chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), warning that the future direction of Pakistan’s higher education sector depends on strong and credible leadership.

The Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) has written to the prime minister, calling for the formation of an independent search committee comprising leading academics from across the country to select the HEC chief.

APSUP Chairman Dr Abdul Rehman said private universities are playing a significant role in expanding higher education opportunities in Pakistan, with the association representing 92 private sector universities and 34 regional campuses that collectively educate more than 40 percent of higher education students.

In its letter, APSUP highlighted the importance of the HEC, established in 2002 as the country’s main institution responsible for funding, regulation, accreditation and quality assurance of universities.

The association said the appointment of the next HEC chairman comes at a crucial time as the sector faces multiple challenges, including policy disputes, concerns over university autonomy and issues affecting academic development.

APSUP pointed out that the current HEC chairman’s four-year tenure is set to expire soon, making it an opportunity to appoint new leadership through a competitive and impartial process.

The association stressed that appointments in the higher education sector, particularly the HEC chairperson and university vice-chancellors, should be based on qualifications, experience and academic reputation rather than political considerations.

It also opposed granting extensions to existing officials, arguing that fresh leadership was needed to address long-standing issues and restore confidence among stakeholders.

The private universities’ body proposed that the search committee should include respected scholars of international standing from all provinces and be headed by an eminent academic figure. It also called for avoiding candidates facing serious credibility issues or academic misconduct allegations.

APSUP said a transparent appointment mechanism would help prevent controversies, legal disputes and further setbacks in the higher education sector.

The association assured the government of its cooperation in improving access to education, strengthening quality standards and supporting Pakistan’s knowledge-based economy.