ISLAMABAD: Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), has been granted a one-year extension following the completion of his two-year tenure last week. He was originally appointed on July 29, 2022, and previously served as HEC chairman from 2014 to 2018.
The extension, effective from July 30, was approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and officially confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office in a letter issued by Asad Rehman Gilani, Secretary to the Prime Minister.
The federal education ministry, which had not appointed a new HEC chairman in time, submitted a summary to the PM’s Office recommending Dr. Ahmed's reappointment for an additional two years. During the brief period when the HEC operated without a chairman, Prime Minister Sharif authorized the one-year extension for Dr. Ahmed.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ahmed stated, "I am profoundly humbled and honored to be reappointed as chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. This renewed opportunity to serve our nation's higher education sector is both a privilege and a tremendous responsibility. We will continue to enhance the quality of higher education, foster research and innovation, and ensure access to education for all. Together, we will build on the strong foundations laid and work tirelessly to achieve new milestones in our pursuit of academic and institutional excellence."
An official stressed the importance of timely appointments, criticizing the education ministry for its failure to make necessary arrangements. The official also pointed out that the position of director general of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has been vacant since July last year, with a grade 20 officer currently managing the FDE on an interim basis while efforts are underway to fill the position.