By Kh Kashif Mir
ISLAMABAD: The tenure of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, was set to expire within one week, facing staunch opposition from the Ministry of Law and political figures.
Dr. Ahmad’s current term ends on July 31, 2024. Despite this looming deadline, the Education Department has failed to advertise its position or establish a search committee to identify a new chairman. This negligence is particularly glaring, given Dr. Ahmad’s controversial track record since his appointment on August 1, 2022. He previously held positions within the HEC, including the Executive Director (2013-2014) and Member (Operations and Planning) (2005-2011).
A close associate of Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, Dr. Ahmad has served as HEC Chairman for six years. However, his tenure was plagued by widespread criticism. A damning report by the Think Tank on Higher Education revealed a 61% increase in unemployed PhD graduates, with an alarming rise in unemployed female PhD holders under his leadership.
The Ministry of Education has raised objections to extending Dr. Ahmad’s term, pointing to concerns about his previous extension. The Ministry of Law has advised forming a search committee to select a new chairman, thereby thwarting Dr. Ahmad’s bid for an extension. Opposition leader Omar Ayub has expressed strong reservations about Dr. Ahmad’s tenure, accusing the Sharif family of appointing loyalists to perpetuate corruption and favoritism.
Ayub plans to bring this critical issue to the assembly, underscoring the urgent need for a competent chairman to improve university standards and provide employment opportunities for the educated youth.
Last year, the federal cabinet approved the Higher Education Commission Amendment Bill 2023, which grants the Prime Minister authority to remove the HEC Chairman before the end of their tenure. This amendment has made the HEC accountable solely to the federal government’s Chief Executive, positioning the Commission as the exclusive regulatory authority for higher educational institutions nationwide.