HEC and PHEC Join Hands to Enhance Higher Education Quality

In a significant development for the advancement of higher education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) have forged an agreement to collaborate on initiatives aimed at ensuring the quality and promotion of higher education. This landmark agreement was announced during a joint event titled “Quality Assurance,” hosted by PHEC.
During the event, Executive Secretary of HEC, Prof. Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, and Chairperson of PHEC, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, reaffirmed their commitment to this collaborative effort. The event was attended by Vice-Chancellors from 75 public and private universities across Punjab.
Education Minister Mr. Rana Sikander Hayat graced the occasion as a special guest, delivering an address that underscored the government’s commitment to merit-based appointments of vice-chancellors in Punjab universities. He outlined a robust educational vision, emphasizing the implementation of short-term and long-term education reforms, including teacher training initiatives supported by the UK, school upgrades, and solutions for various educational challenges. Additionally, plans were unveiled for the introduction of technical education and modern IT courses for students.
Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum highlighted the adoption of innovative methods to elevate university standards for enhanced international competitiveness. Collaboration with provincial authorities was emphasized as a means to implement reforms effectively.
Practical measures are already underway in public sector universities to integrate quality assurance mechanisms into the higher education system, including the establishment of quality enhancement cells.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairperson of PHEC, expressed eagerness to collaborate with HEC to advance higher education. He urged the Government to bolster the higher education budget to align with global standards, stressing the pivotal role of education in maintaining dignity in the modern era. The comparison of Pakistan’s educational budget with that of South Asian countries underscored the need for increased funding in this sector.
Dr. Farkh Naveed, Secretary of Higher Education Department (HED), emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue sources for universities beyond Government budgets. He outlined ongoing efforts to expedite the appointment process for new vice-chancellors in Punjab universities, including the formation of search committees and the implementation of performance monitoring mechanisms.
This collaboration between HEC and PHEC marks a significant step forward in the journey towards enhancing higher education quality and accessibility in Pakistan.

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