Lahore: Former Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, has been appointed Chairman of the Higher Education Commission for a two-year term. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training with the approval of the Prime Minister.
Dr Niaz, a noted academician and researcher with a PhD from the University of Leeds, has previously served as Vice Chancellor of Punjab University and Quaid-i-Azam University. He is also a recipient of the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to education and research.
His appointment has been welcomed by the Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA) and the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), who expressed confidence that his leadership will strengthen higher education governance and policy in the country.
In a press statement, Dr Muhammad Islam, President of FAPUASA Punjab Chapter, and PUASA President Dr Amjad Magsi said that the appointment ends a period of adhocism at the commission. They noted that Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar is expected to continue ongoing reforms, benefit both BPS and TTS faculty, and take steps to improve the financial condition of Pakistani universities and academia.