LAHORE:Former Vice Chancellor of the Punjab University (PU) Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has been appointed Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for a two-year term. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training with the approval of the Prime Minister.
Dr Niaz, a noted academician and researcher with a PhD from the University of Leeds, UK, has previously served as Vice Chancellor of Punjab University and Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad. He is also a recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to education and research.
His appointment has been welcomed by the Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA) and the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), who expressed confidence that his leadership will strengthen higher education governance and policy in the country.
In a press statement, Dr Muhammad Islam, President of FAPUASA Punjab Chapter, and PUASA president Dr Amjad Magsi observed that it was a matter of great happiness that Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has been appointed as Chairperson HEC.
'This marks an end to adhocism in the commission. We hope his appointment will be fruitful for higher education and academia across the country. He will continue and complete the ongoing proposed reforms, which will benefit both BPS and TTS faculty. We also hope he will take concrete steps to improve the financial condition of Pakistani universities and academia.'
