Contract end nears: HEC chief’s extension now improbable

Proposal has been sent to give additional charge of HEC chief to Secretary for Ministry of Science and Technology.

ISLAMABAD:

With a decision looming over the appointment of a new chief of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), chances of the outgoing head Javaid Laghari getting an extension have almost evaporated.

A proposal has been sent to the Prime Minister Secretariat to give additional charge of HEC chief to Secretary for Ministry of Science and Technology Akhlaq Ahmad Tarar, sources said.

According to the sources in ministry of education, a few days ago, the prime minister turned down the summary about giving another extension to Laghari.

The contract of the existing chairperson expires on August 27 and the new chief should be appointed prior to the expiry of the due date.

High officials at the ministry believe that the option of granting extension to Laghari has ‘very minimal chances.’

According to HEC Ordinance, the prime minister is the controlling authority of the HEC and the shortlisted names are to be forwarded to him for the final say.

“Nothing can be ruled out but, after all, the PM will be free to appoint a new chief after the due process for many reasons,” an official told The Express Tribune.

Till the new chief is nominated, Tarar will be holding the acting charge as per the premier’s orders.

Since Tuesday is the last working day for Laghari, any decision can be expected from the PM for the HEC’s top slot.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2013.