The Civil Services Academy (CSA), in partnership with the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), has successfully concluded five professional development programmes designed for nearly 100 officers of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The initiative sought to strengthen governance, leadership, and institutional effectiveness across Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
Developed after a detailed Training Needs Assessment (TNA), the programme focused on governance excellence, ethical leadership, and institutional transformation. Participants, including Assistant Directors to Director Generals, received training in policy formulation, strategic and financial management, project planning, and change management.
Breaking away from conventional teaching styles, the initiative introduced a “Classroom and Beyond” approach that integrated emotional intelligence and stress management modules with experiential learning. Activities such as tree plantation drives, sports events, self-defense sessions, and aromatherapy workshops promoted teamwork, well-being, and community spirit.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, NAHE Director Dr Munir Ahmed lauded the collaboration as a “model of inter-institutional cooperation,” urging participants to translate their learning into improved service delivery and policy outcomes.
Dr Syed Shabbir Akbar Zaidi, Director (Capacity Building), highlighted CSA’s transition toward an interactive and practice-oriented training model that emphasizes innovation, integrity, and real-world problem-solving.
CSA Director General Farhan Aziz Khawaja praised the success of the partnership, describing the Academy’s evolving mission as one that “converts knowledge workers into knowledge professionals by refining their skills, expanding their knowledge base, and shaping their attitude toward excellence and integrity.” He further announced that 136 probationary officers were recently deployed across 10 universities to gain firsthand exposure to operational challenges in the education sector.
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The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and a reaffirmed commitment from both institutions to nurturing capable, ethical, and forward-looking leaders. The CSA–NAHE collaboration has set a strong precedent for sustainable professional development and good governance within Pakistan’s higher education system.