ISLAMABAD, FEB 24 /DNA/ – The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) convened a high-level consultative meeting to deliberate on jurisdictional clarity and enhance coordination among Accreditation Councils in the accreditation of undergraduate programs. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman HEC.
Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Member, HEC, along with other senior officials representing the Academics and Curriculum, Quality Assurance, Legal Affairs, Attestation and Accreditation divisions and officials from Accreditation Councils participated in the meeting. The discussion was focused on reinforcing institutional alignment, streamlining accreditation processes, and safeguarding regulatory coherence within the higher education framework.
During the meeting, Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan reiterated HEC’s statutory authority under the HEC Ordinance 2002, particularly emphasizing Clause 20, which establishes the overriding effect of the Ordinance over any conflicting legislation. The participants reaffirmed that HEC serves as both regulator and facilitator of higher education in Pakistan.
It was emphasized that compliance with HEC-prescribed standards is mandatory at every stage of an institution’s academic lifecycle – from establishment and program approval to curriculum development, inclusion in the Pakistan Qualification Register (PQR), and degree attestation.
The meeting also provided clarity on the delineation of responsibilities between HEC and Accreditation Councils within the National Qualifications Framework, whereby the Accreditation Councils retain the mandate for accrediting professional undergraduate programs that lead to licensure, while oversight of MS, MPhil, and PhD programs remains within the exclusive purview of the QAA-HEC, unless specific authorization is granted. This clarification aims to eliminate overlaps, enhance coordination, and ensure consistency in quality assurance mechanisms across all academic tiers.
Reaffirming HEC’s commitment to academic excellence, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad directed the convening of a plenary session with all Accreditation Councils to strengthen institutional collaboration and foster a unified quality enhancement strategy.
“The integrity and global credibility of Pakistan’s higher education system depend upon close coordination between HEC and professional councils,” the Chairman stated.
“Our shared objective must be to ensure that university programs consistently meet national standards and align with international benchmarks,” he added.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to collaborative governance, regulatory clarity, and sustained efforts toward strengthening the quality and credibility of higher education in Pakistan.
