Niaz Akhtar: The right fit

2026-02-10 - 00:06

THE appointment of Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar as Chairman of HEC signals a promising new era for our higher education sector. With over 35 years of experience in academia, research and institutional leadership, Dr Niaz Akhtar brings a wealth of expertise and vision to the table, making it clear from day one that significant, transformative changes are on the horizon. Niaz Akhtar’s distinguished career includes a remarkable sixteen years leading six prestigious institutions, including his tenure as Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University. Additionally, he has served as Vice Chancellor of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) for three terms, further reinforcing his expertise in educational leadership. As a scholar of international standing, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Leeds and a prolific academic career, his intellectual rigour and deep understanding of academic and research systems are undeniable. Upon assuming office, he wasted no time in addressing the challenges facing higher education sector. He outlined a comprehensive reform agenda that promises to tackle key issues such as funding shortages, quality assurance, curriculum development, digitization and international collaboration. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar’s vision is ambitious yet crucial. The country’s higher education sector has long struggled with inadequate funding, outdated curricula and insufficient infrastructure. It is no secret that Pakistani universities are often unable to compete on a global scale due to these systemic deficiencies. The federal budget for 2025-26 only underscores these challenges, with a substantial cut in allocations to the higher education sector. The government allocated Rs39.4 billion for development projects, a stark reduction from the Rs66.3 billion earmarked in 2024-25. HEC significance cannot be overstated, as it is the body responsible for accreditation, curriculum oversight and the overall development of academic standards across the country. While the appointment of Dr Niaz Akhtar is a step in the right direction, his ambitious vision for reform will not come to fruition without the necessary resources. It is essential that the federal government provides the HEC Chairman with the support and funding required for executing his plans. The ball is now in the federal government’s court. Will it rise to the occasion and support the reforms that Pakistan’s high education sector so desperately need? Only time will tell.