No decision yet on new HEC chairman

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.

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."

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 Consequently, the advertisement could not be published.

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. However, due to "unavoidable" reasons, the matter remained stalled.

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.