The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) are considering reducing the LLB program’s duration from five years to four. This proposal was discussed in a meeting chaired by HEC Executive Director Prof Dr Zia Ul-Qayyum.

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According to sources, the meeting concluded with a general agreement to shorten the program, and the discussion’s minutes will be shared with stakeholders, including bar councils and universities, for feedback. If consensus is achieved, a formal notification will follow. The HEC has also committed to assisting in designing a revised curriculum for the four-year program if the proposal is implemented.

In an official statement, the HEC stated that the initiative seeks to align legal education with international standards and market needs. Representatives from 44 universities, the Pakistan Bar Council, and the Directorate of Legal Education participated in the meeting.

Stakeholders stressed the importance of updating the curriculum to improve its practicality and competitiveness. Concerns were raised about the current program’s extended duration compared to international standards, which disadvantages local graduates and encourages students to study abroad.

The discussion also addressed implementing semester systems, faculty training, and licensing reforms. The initiative has been widely commended for engaging all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process.

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