At a critical juncture for Pakistan’s higher education sector, distinguished academic Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has taken the helm as the new Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), a move that has been met with widespread satisfaction across the academic community.
According to HEC information today, the recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz formally assumed his responsibilities on Friday at the HEC Secretariat, where he was welcomed by Executive Director Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq and other senior officials of the commission.
Dr. Akhtar brings over 35 years of experience in academia and institutional development to the role. Recognised as the nation’s most senior Vice Chancellor, he has a cumulative 16 years of leadership experience at six prominent institutions, including Quaid-i-Azam University and the University of the Punjab. He has also served three terms as the Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).
An alumnus of the University of Leeds, UK, where he earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering, Dr. Akhtar is a scholar of international standing. His academic contributions include numerous peer-reviewed articles, the authoring or editing of four books, and the supervision of 12 doctoral candidates.
The new chairman’s strategic vision for the HEC prioritises the strengthening of quality assurance mechanisms and the promotion of industry-relevant academic programmes. His agenda also includes fostering research through global partnerships and enhancing faculty development, with the overarching aim of transitioning Pakistan towards a knowledge-based economy.
In acknowledgement of his significant services to education, Dr. Akhtar was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz in 2015, the PEC Gold Medal in 2017, and a Gold Medal from the National Textile University Board of Governors in 2015.