The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, in collaboration with Ilma University, has taken a significant step toward strengthening academic standards by organizing a three-day national program titled “Together for Quality Excellence — Leadership Engagement for Transforming QA Systems in Pakistan.”
The initiative brought together representatives from 43 degree-awarding institutions across Sindh and Balochistan, including 15 Vice Chancellors and nearly 50 Institutional Quality Circle members and Quality Enhancement Cell professionals. The program served as a platform for collaborative learning, leadership engagement, and practical strategies to enhance quality assurance mechanisms in higher education institutions.
The opening and closing ceremonies were attended by Ms Mahwish Faraz Lakhani, Vice Chairperson of Ilma University and Member of the HEC Commission, who emphasized the importance of institutional ownership in driving quality assurance reforms. She highlighted the need for effective implementation of PSG-2023, underscoring that sustainable improvements depend on strong leadership and accountability within universities.
In his welcome remarks, Mr Nasir Shah, Director General (Quality Assurance) at HEC, described the initiative as a nationwide effort aimed at fostering closer coordination between HEC and degree-awarding institutions. He noted that the program is designed to promote peer learning, encourage structured progress reviews, and facilitate the practical implementation of PSG-2023 across institutions.
Executive Director HEC, Dr Zia ul Haq, addressed the participants virtually, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to strengthening quality assurance systems nationwide. He stressed that leadership engagement is crucial for embedding a culture of quality and continuous improvement within higher education institutions.
Adding a strategic perspective, Prof Dr Sohail Naqvi, Member of the HEC Commission, outlined the broader vision behind PSG-2023 and the expectations for its effective implementation. He emphasized aligning institutional practices with international quality standards to ensure academic excellence.
Chief Guest Dr Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan, Vice Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan University and Member of the HEC Commission, highlighted that PSG-2023 represents a paradigm shift from procedural compliance to outcomes-driven quality assurance. He stressed that sustained reform depends on strong leadership ownership and an institutional commitment to continuous improvement.
Related: HEC Training Programmes Wrap Up at Sindh University
The program concluded with a renewed commitment from participating institutions to strengthen their quality assurance frameworks, marking a decisive move toward enhancing the overall standard of higher education in Pakistan.
