In a strategic push to improve university governance and academic standards, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Higher Education Department (HED) has initiated the process to establish a Provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The move reflects KP’s commitment to academic reform, institutional autonomy, and data-driven policy making, while avoiding the pitfalls seen in similar commissions set up by Punjab and Sindh.
“It’s a timely initiative—but we’re also being cautious to ensure the proposed body doesn’t become an inefficient or unsustainable entity,” said KP Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi.
High-Level Committee Formed to Shape Commission Blueprint
A committee of seasoned educators and administrators has been tasked with drafting a comprehensive proposal that outlines the structure, governance, and operations of the new commission.
Committee Members Include:
- Zariful Mani (Convener) – MD, KP Education Foundation
- Adil Saeed Safi – MD, ETEA
- Prof. Jamil Ahmad – VC, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
- Prof. Jehanzeb Khan – VC, University of Science & Technology, Bannu
- Usman Ghani – Director, IMSciences, Peshawar
- Azhar Zahoor – Deputy Secretary (Admin), HED
- Wajid Ali Khan – Deputy Secretary (Universities-I), HED
Deadline: The committee must submit its findings within 30 days.
What the Committee Will Do
The panel will take a research-driven and comparative approach, reviewing:
- HEC models in Punjab & Sindh – strengths, weaknesses, and outcomes
- Legal frameworks and regulatory structures
- Impact on access, quality, and employability in higher education
- Financial and human resource estimates for setting up the commission
- Cost-benefit analysis to ensure long-term sustainability
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for vice chancellors and universities
A committee member confirmed that the proposal will emphasize job-market relevance, innovation, and financial viability, without creating new layers of bureaucracy.
Why This Matters
Pakistan’s higher education system has long faced challenges like:
- Fragmented governance
- Outdated curriculum
- Limited focus on research and industry alignment
- Poor monitoring of university performance
With the proposed KP HEC, the province aims to bridge these gaps by ensuring autonomy, accountability, and alignment with global academic standards.
What’s Next?
The final proposal will include a draft legislative framework for the provincial HEC’s creation. Once completed, it will be submitted to the provincial government for approval and implementation.
If successful, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could set a new benchmark in decentralized, efficient, and impactful higher education governance—rooted in local needs and global trends.