The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) has appointed Nadeem Mahbub as the Acting Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), following the completion of Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed’s three-year term.
According to an official notification, the appointment was made under Section 8(3) of the HEC Ordinance, 2002, with the approval of the Prime Minister, who serves as the Controlling Authority. Mahbub, currently the Secretary of the Ministry and an existing HEC member, will immediately assume the role. His tenure as Acting Chairperson will last up to three months or until a permanent successor is appointed.
The interim appointment is intended to maintain continuity in higher education governance at a time when the sector faces mounting challenges. Critics, however, have expressed concern that frequent changes in HEC leadership could disrupt ongoing reforms and policy initiatives. They argue that appointing acting heads instead of swiftly selecting a permanent chairperson risks creating uncertainty within universities and research institutions.
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Supporters of the move, on the other hand, contend that the government is following due process and taking necessary time to identify a competent and visionary leader for one of the country’s most critical institutions. The coming months will determine whether this transitional arrangement can uphold stability and confidence in the HEC while a permanent appointment is finalized.