Education reforms body lauds selection criteria for HEC chief’s slot

ISLAMABAD: The Working Group on Higher Education Reforms, comprising senior academicians and experts, has appreciated selection process and advertised criteria for appointment of the chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The advertised criterion is in line with the HEC Act through which only reputed academician of international eminence with significant contribution in higher education could be considered for this important slot. There is no age bar in the advertisement which deprived of certain eligible candidates last time to become the commission’s chairman.

Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) President Murtaza Noor hoped that search committee would ensure a transparent and merit-based appointment of the HEC chief in the light of the guidelines set by the Supreme Court and recommendations of the working group.

Noor further said that as per the recommendations, controversial candidates should be avoided to consider for this important slot as only capable and honest leadership could meet the challenges associated with the higher education sector.

The FAPUASA president also hoped that the search committee would review the previous appointment process so that, learning from past, the appointment of new chief chairman should be undertaken through a transparent, open, and competitive process.  He said that working group would continue to monitor the appointment process in close coordination with all the stakeholders.