The two-day interview process for appointment of third permanent chairperson of Higher Education Commission (HEC) will commence from tomorrow (March 18).
A six-member newly constituted search committee would conduct the interviews of 18 short-listed candidates.
Although the appointment of chairperson of the HEC is the final authority of the prime minister of Pakistan, only a qualified and experienced academician of international eminence and proven ability with significant contribution to higher education as teacher, researcher and administrator, can be appointed as HEC chairman as per the HEC Act.
Renowned academician and founder chairperson of HEC, Professor Dr Attaur Rehman has already demanded that the appointment of the HEC chairman should be in line with the eligibility criteria laid down in HEC Act.
Even in its detailed judgment, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed the federal government to appoint permanent chairperson in accordance with law and prescribed process.
The total duration of office of the HEC chief is four years which is extendable to one more term as was granted to Professor Dr Attaur Rahman previously.