The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has recently issued significant alerts and directives regarding the operation of sub-campuses and the phase-out of certain academic programs, emphasizing quality assurance and regulatory compliance in higher education institutions across the country.
One of the primary concerns addressed by the HEC pertains to the operation of sub-campuses by public sector universities under the public-private partnership (PPP) mode. In a statement posted on its official Instagram account, the HEC clarified that no university or degree-awarding institution is currently authorized to operate through sub-campuses. This decision follows observations of academic irregularities and concerns about educational quality in PPP campuses previously established by public sector universities in Punjab, some of which were subsequently closed. The HEC explicitly stated that degrees obtained from unapproved sub-campuses will not be validated or attested by the commission, thereby cautioning students against seeking admission at such campuses.
Moreover, the HEC issued another alert earlier this month, warning students against enrolling in two-year programs that have been phased out since the academic year 2019. Specifically, the commission phased out two-year BA/Sc and MA/MSc programs with extended deadlines until June 30, 2022. Despite these directives, some higher education institutions continued to admit students into these phased-out programs, contrary to HEC guidelines. The commission emphasized that degrees obtained from such programs after the specified deadlines do not qualify for recognition and attestation by the HEC.
The decision to abolish the two-year degree programs was originally made in 2004 with the objective of aligning Pakistan’s higher education standards with international benchmarks and enhancing the overall quality of degree programs. Recognizing the need for a transition period, the HEC provided universities until 2016 to phase out these programs effectively.
The two-year associate degree programs, which served as substitutes for traditional BA and BSc programs, were designed to provide an alternative pathway for students while maintaining educational standards. Graduates of associate degree programs were eligible to seek admission into the fifth semester of a four-year BS program, effectively allowing for academic progression and continuity in higher education.
By issuing these alerts and directives, the HEC aims to uphold the integrity of higher education qualifications in Pakistan, ensuring that degrees obtained by students meet established standards of quality and compliance. The commission’s proactive stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the interests of students, parents, and stakeholders in the education sector, promoting transparency and accountability among higher education institutions nationwide.
Moving forward, the HEC continues to play a crucial role in regulating and monitoring the higher education landscape in Pakistan, collaborating with universities and educational stakeholders to maintain high academic standards and foster a conducive learning environment for students. As the regulatory body overseeing higher education in the country, the HEC’s efforts are pivotal in shaping the future of academic excellence and educational attainment in Pakistan.
