The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has made a three-credit-hour course on Artificial Intelligence mandatory for all undergraduate programmes across Pakistan, as part of a comprehensive plan for robust reforms in the sector.
According to HEC information today, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar announced the measures during a media briefing on Wednesday, stating the commission is committed to enhancing the higher education landscape”s alignment with national needs and global trends.
The mandatory AI initiative aims to provide students of all disciplines with foundational knowledge of emerging technologies, preparing them for the evolving demands of the digital economy.
In a significant move towards digital transformation, the Chairman announced that the HEC will shift its document attestation services from a physical to a fully online system. Once implemented, applicants will no longer need to visit HEC offices, as the entire process will be completed digitally.
To make university education more productive and result-oriented, a Committee for Outcome-Based Education (OBE) has been established. The body will develop recommendations on key aspects such as curriculum design, clearly defined learning outcomes, and assessment practices.
HEC has also formed sector-specific academic committees for Engineering and Technology, Medical Education, and Agriculture. These groups will review the quality and relevance of degree programmes and propose improvements in line with international standards and national development requirements.
To bolster research and its practical application, a committee will work on strengthening Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs). It will propose measures to improve research management, enhance industry-academia collaboration, and promote the commercialisation of research outcomes.
Furthermore, a new Ranking Committee has been constituted to guide universities on strategies to improve their performance in global university rankings, such as the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings, thereby increasing Pakistan’s visibility in international academia.
Dr. Akhtar explained that to improve coordination, provincial committees on higher education reforms have also been formed. These committees will feature representation from provincial bodies, vice chancellors, and HEC Pakistan to prevent overlaps and promote mutual support.
Addressing governance challenges, the Chairman revealed he has requested the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairman of the Senate that legislative enactment for new universities should require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the HEC to avoid regulatory issues.
HEC is also working to improve testing mechanisms for undergraduate admissions to ensure greater transparency, standardisation, and fairness. “The quality of a university’s intake ultimately determines the quality of its graduates,” Dr. Niaz Ahmad remarked.
In an update on student support, he confirmed that 65,000 laptops have been distributed under the current phase of the government’s initiative, with the remaining devices to be distributed soon.
The Chairman expressed confidence that these extensive reforms will help position Pakistan’s universities to better serve national development and compete effectively in the global knowledge economy.