Degree validation: HEC, PEC to strengthen process

ISLAMABAD:

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) will enhance collaboration to raise the quality of engineering education in the country and streamline the accreditation process of engineering degrees.

This was decided in a meeting between HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and PEC Chairman Jawed Qureshi at the commission’s secretariat on Friday.

Both parties decided to take steps to improve the accreditation process of engineering programmes across the country. It was also decided to conduct joint surprise visits to universities to monitor engineering programmes.

Ahmed informed the PEC head regarding HEC’s process for degree recognition, wherein accreditation of professional degree courses from the relevant professional body is a mandatory condition.



“We recognise only those engineering degrees which are accredited by PEC,” he said.

The HEC head also briefed Qureshi about the commission’s curriculum revision process, adding that curriculum review committees of different engineering programmes have PEC representation. The curricula of different disciplines are reviewed every three years to ensure they correspond to international practices and national needs, he added.

The PEC chairman assured the HEC of the council’s support, adding that PEC will not recognise any engineering degree programme in violation of policy.

This was Qureshi’s first visit to HEC after assuming the charge of PEC chairman.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2015.