Dr Ziaul Qayyum made HEC chief

Prominent educationist Professor Dr Ziaul Qayyum has been appointed as the permanent executive director of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for a period of four years following its board’s approval.

The post remained vacant for the past almost four years. A six-member search committee was formed to recommend a suitable candidate. After long deliberations, the committee had shortlisted the names of 18 candidates with Dr Zia at the top.

The HEC Board then approved the name of Dr Zia who had previously served as the vice chancellor of the Gujarat University as well as the Allama Iqbal Open University, for appointment as its permanent executive director.

After the resignation of Dr Arshad Ali in 2018, and after ad-hoc arrangements, the government appointed a civil servant, Dr Shaista Sohail, on a deputation basis in 2020.

After her retirement, she was given a number of extensions, and finally, the Islamabad High Court in August this year suspended her last extension and directed the HEC to appoint a regular executive director.