PM forms search committee for selection of HEC chairman

ISLAMABAD: In what could be dubbed a praiseworthy move, the prime minister has appointed reputed academicians and representatives of civil society as members of a search committee for the appointment of Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman.

The committee for selection of the HEC chairman would be headed by Syed Babar Ali, as earlier politicians were included in the search committee.

According to the notification, a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, “The prime minister is pleased to approve the following search committee for selection of chairman Higher Education Commission, Islamabad.”

The notification reads that Syed Babar Ali would be the convener of the search committee, while other members of the committee include Dr Sania Nishtar, Dr Faisal Bari, Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Mir Qamar Baig and Federal Education and Professional Training secretary.

The terms of reference (TORs) of the search committee are to set the criteria in terms of age, qualification and experience.

Moreover, the committee has to advertise the position based on set criteria and scrutinise the application on the advertised criteria, as well as shortlist candidates meeting the criteria, conduct interviews and propose a penal of at least three suitable candidates for approval of the controlling authority within the meaning of section 3 of the HEC ordinance 2002.

Meanwhile, the working group on higher education has appreciated the federal government for appointing reputed academicians and representatives of civil society as members of the search committee for the appointment of HEC chairman.

They hoped that learning from previous experiences, the search committee would ensure transparency and merit-based appointment for selection of new HEC chief, as per the prescribed criteria, and controversial candidates would not be considered for this important slot.

They also thanked prime minister of Pakistan for accepting the demand of higher education community in terms of nomination for search committee headed by a reputed academician.  The working group would continue to monitor the process for selection of the new HEC chairman.