No decision yet on new HEC chairman

Delay in appointment sparks speculation about Dr Mukhtar’s possible extension

Listen to article

ISLAMABAD:

The search committee tasked with appointing the new Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has failed to make the appointment within the stipulated timeframe and has not yet finalised the advertisement for the position.

With only two days remaining in the tenure of incumbent Chairman Dr Mukhtar, speculation has surfaced regarding a possible one-year extension. However, reliable sources in the Ministry of Education have dismissed such reports as “absurd.” 

According to details, the search committee headed by Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has held three meetings but has not been able to advertise the post. Sources revealed that in its last meeting, the committee finalised a draft advertisement and shared it with all members, but it failed to secure their approval. Consequently, the advertisement could not be published, leaving the chairman’s post unfilled as Dr Mukhtar’s term nears its end.

Under procedure, the search committee should have published the advertisement at least 15–20 days before the end of the incumbent’s term to ensure timely appointment and submission of a summary to the Prime Minister. However, due to “unavoidable” reasons, the matter remained stalled in committee deliberations.

Rumours of a one-year extension, similar to the one granted last year, have been circulating in academic circles, citing the prime minister’s office summary already on record. However, ministry officials have categorically rejected these claims, reiterating that the search committee is actively working on the appointment.

It has been confirmed that the draft advertisement has been finalised and will be issued in the coming days. In the interim, sources said, an acting HEC chairman would be appointed. As per rules, either a member of the commission or a senior ministry official is under consideration to hold the temporary charge.