Key Points:
- HEC launches its ambitious Pakistan Digital Leap initiative
- Key digital solutions unveiled include cloud computing, high-performance computing, smart classrooms, and an indigenous LMS
- HEC has rolled out 7,000 km of fibre connectivity and 20,000 Wi-Fi points across 96 campuses
ISLAMABAD: In a stride towards a tech-driven academic future, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan launched its visionary initiative titled Pakistan Digital Leap, unveiling a comprehensive digital transformation plan for the country’s higher education sector.
Held in Islamabad and attended by vice chancellors of a number of universities, industry leaders, and key education stakeholders, the event marked a pivotal moment in reshaping learning for over six million students nationwide by integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative practices.
Symbolically futuristic, HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad hosted the ceremony not in person, but rather as Pakistan’s first-ever holographic host, marking a tech-forward statement of intent for the nation’s academic future.
Reimagining higher education
The transformation is powered by the Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project—a flagship initiative by HEC in partnership with the World Bank. Through this multi-year collaboration, the higher education system is being reimagined with robust digital infrastructure and high-impact IT initiatives, all tailored to meet the evolving needs of students and institutions.
The event featured a showcase of HEC’s trailblazing IT solutions, including Astrolabes Data Centres (scalable and secure digital repositories), As-Sadeem Cloud Computing (enabling shared digital resources), Al-Meissa High Performance Computing for research and analytics, Maktab ERP-SLCS (an integrated campus management solution), Al-Fihri LMS (a locally-developed Learning Management System), Jidar Network Security (safeguarding the digital learning space) and Smart Classrooms (equipped for interactive, tech-enhanced learning).
These initiatives are being implemented across a growing number of universities, with a pilot project in 25 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) already showing remarkable success.
HEC’s digital footprint is rapidly expanding, with 7,000 kilometres of fibre optic connectivity and 20,000 Wi-Fi access points installed across 96 HEIs. The Commission is bridging digital divides and ensuring students from remote and urban areas alike can access global educational resources.
Towards global competitiveness
Speaking to WE News English, Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad emphasised, “We’ve equipped our universities and students with the technological power to compete with the best in the world. These solutions won’t just lower institutional costs, but they will also uplift the entire academic ecosystem of Pakistan.”
The demand to implement these digital tools in public sector HEIs is growing, indicating a positive shift towards a knowledge-based economy.
The HEC is the driving force behind educational excellence in the country. With a vision to foster quality education and impactful research, it is laying the foundation for a future where digital literacy, innovation, and global competitiveness define Pakistan’s academic identity.
On the flip side, some educationists argue that the event’s timing—just days before the end of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad’s tenure as HEC Chairman—suggests it may have been intended to leave a lasting personal legacy, as many of the initiatives were already underway.
In response, Dr. Mukhtar dismissed such speculation, stating that the search committee for the next HEC chief is already in motion and he does not intend to seek an extension.
“Individuals come and go,” he remarked. “What truly matters is that institutions and systems continue to thrive—that’s been my guiding principle at HEC and beyond.”
