PM Shehbaz Sharif Appoints Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as New HEC Chairman
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as the new Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, marking a significant leadership change in Pakistan’s higher education sector.
The appointment was confirmed through an official notification issued on February 6, 2026, by the Government of Pakistan under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The decision was approved by the prime minister in his capacity as the controlling authority of the commission.
According to the notification, the appointment was made by exercising powers granted under Section 3 of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002. The legal framework allows the prime minister to appoint the HEC chairman to ensure continuity and governance of higher education policies across the country.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar has been appointed for a two-year term under Section 6(5) of the HEC Ordinance. This provision was amended through Section 2(a) of the Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Act, 2021, which outlines the tenure and appointment process for the chairman.
The notification states that the appointment takes immediate effect and will remain valid until further orders. This ensures there is no administrative gap in the leadership of the commission, which plays a central role in regulating universities, funding research, and shaping academic standards nationwide.
The official document was signed by Razia Ramzan Dossa, Deputy Secretary (HEC), confirming the authenticity of the appointment. Copies of the notification were circulated to several key government offices to ensure formal record and implementation.
These offices include the President’s Secretariat (Public), the Prime Minister’s Office, the Cabinet Division, and the Establishment Division. Relevant officials within the Ministry of Federal Education and the Higher Education Commission were also informed.
The appointment comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s higher education system, which is facing challenges related to funding, academic quality, international rankings, and research output. Leadership at the HEC is considered vital for addressing these issues through policy reforms and institutional support.
Prof. Dr. Akhtar is expected to oversee key initiatives aimed at improving university governance, promoting research culture, and enhancing collaboration with international academic institutions. Stakeholders within the education sector will be watching closely for policy directions under the new chairman.
The Higher Education Commission serves as the primary regulatory and funding body for universities across Pakistan. Its chairman plays a pivotal role in shaping long-term strategies that influence students, faculty members, and academic institutions nationwide.
With the appointment now in effect, expectations are high that the HEC will continue working toward strengthening Pakistan’s higher education framework and aligning it with global academic standards.
