ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is moving closer to appointing a permanent chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) through a fully merit-based process for the first time since the body’s creation, a step widely seen as strengthening transparency, institutional credibility, and policy continuity in the country’s higher education system.
The Ministry of Federal Education has formally submitted a summary to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, proposing three candidates shortlisted by an independent search committee. The nominees include Professor Dr. Saroosh Hashmat Lodhi, Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, and Dr. Niaz Ahmed—each recognized for their academic leadership, research credentials, and administrative experience.
According to officials familiar with the process, the search committee followed rigorous evaluation criteria, including academic impact, policy experience, governance capability, and vision for higher education reform. The move is being widely seen as a departure from interim arrangements and ad hoc appointments that have historically affected continuity and long-term planning at the HEC.
Federal Minister for Education Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui underscored the significance of the development, stating that the ministry ensured a fair, transparent, and merit-driven process. “The decision now rests with the Prime Minister,” he said, adding that the selection reflects the government’s resolve to strengthen academic institutions and restore confidence among universities, researchers, and international partners.
Education experts believe that appointing a permanent chairman through a credible process could have far-reaching implications, including improved policy stability, enhanced research funding frameworks, stronger global academic collaborations, and better alignment with international quality standards.
The final decision by the Prime Minister is expected in the coming days, with stakeholders across the academic sector closely watching what is being described as a defining moment for Pakistan’s higher education system. The HEC chairman position has been vacant since July 2025.
