The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) convened its 38th Commission meeting at the PHEC Secretariat in Arfa Software Technology Park, Lahore, where several significant decisions were taken to improve the quality and global competitiveness of higher education in the province.
The session was chaired by Dr Farrukh Naveed, Chairperson of the PHEC and Secretary of the Higher Education Department. It brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad, representatives from provincial government departments, and prominent figures from the academic sector.
One of the central developments was the unanimous adoption of the Transnational Education (TNE) Policy 2024. This policy aims to facilitate international academic collaborations, with continued coordination between PHEC and HEC Islamabad to manage emerging challenges in cross-border education initiatives.
The Commission also approved an action plan developed from the February 2025 Vice Chancellors’ Conference. The plan outlines a strategic roadmap for systemic improvements in higher education institutions across Punjab.
In a move to enhance accountability, the Commission introduced new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tailored to each public university’s size and developmental stage. These benchmarks are designed to strengthen leadership performance and institutional effectiveness.
A new university ranking system based on performance metrics aligned with global standards was also introduced. The goal is to promote transparency, foster a culture of excellence, and encourage continuous institutional improvement.
Financial support for students was addressed through the approval of the Honhaar Scholarship Program, with a budget of PKR 4.19 billion allocated for the 2024–25 academic year. The initiative will benefit high-achieving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds throughout the province.
Preparations for the upcoming Punjab Innovation & Technology Expo (PINTECH) 2025 were also reviewed during the meeting. The event, scheduled for April 21, is expected to feature over 1,000 academic and technological projects aimed at strengthening the connection between academia and industry.
Dr Farrukh Naveed reaffirmed PHEC’s commitment to fostering innovation, equity, and academic excellence. He noted that these reforms represent a significant step toward aligning Punjab’s higher education system with global standards. The meeting underscored the Commission’s broader focus on governance reform, policy development, and long-term academic sustainability.