Concerns Grow Over Delay in Appointing New HEC Chairman Amid Legal Challenges

Islamabad: With the tenure of the current Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, nearing its end on July 30, 2025, the federal government has yet to initiate the process for the appointment of a new chairperson. The delay raises concerns about transparency, adherence to legal provisions, and continuity of leadership in the country’s apex higher education regulatory body.

The reappointment of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad itself has been legally contested and is currently under review in the Islamabad High Court under Writ Petition No. 2788 of 2024. The petition challenges the legality of his continuation in office, highlighting the statutory restrictions against multiple reappointments.

Legal experts emphasize that under Section 6(5) of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, the Chairperson may only serve for a period of two years and is eligible for reappointment only once. The law states clearly: “In no case the Chairperson and members shall be eligible for re-appointment for more than one similar term.” This language restricts the possibility of a third term, whether consecutive or otherwise, and makes no provision for extensions or continuance beyond the second term.

Furthermore, Section 8(3) of the same ordinance governs the appointment of an Acting Chairperson in the event of a vacancy. It authorizes the Controlling Authority to appoint a Member of the Commission as acting Chairperson for a maximum of three months.

Observers note that to ensure transparency and merit-based leadership, previous appointments of HEC chairpersons were made through an open, competitive process involving public advertisements and search committees. The current situation marks a departure from this precedent and has sparked concern among academic stakeholders and civil society.

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With the legal framework providing clear boundaries and the clock ticking toward the end of the current term, the federal government is expected to act promptly to initiate a lawful and transparent process for the appointment of the new HEC Chairperson—one that upholds the principles enshrined in the HEC Ordinance and recent judicial interpretations.