**Nadeem Mahbub Appointed Acting Chairperson of Higher Education Commission**
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has named Nadeem Mahbub as Acting Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), following the conclusion of Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed’s three-year tenure. Mahbub, who currently serves as both Federal Secretary at the Ministry and an existing member of the HEC, has been appointed to the interim role to ensure continuity in higher education governance, pending the selection of a permanent chairperson.
According to an official notification, the appointment was made with the Prime Minister’s approval under Section 8(3) of the HEC Ordinance, 2002, given his position as the Controlling Authority. Mahbub will immediately assume his new responsibilities, with his acting tenure set to last for up to three months or until a permanent successor is announced.
The interim leadership transition comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s higher education sector, which is facing a range of challenges requiring stable oversight and consistent policy implementation. Proponents of the move argue that the government is adhering to established legal procedures and taking the necessary time to identify a competent and visionary leader for the HEC, one of the country’s most vital institutions.
However, the appointment has also drawn criticism from some stakeholders. Detractors warn that the practice of installing acting chairpersons, rather than expeditiously appointing permanent heads, can create uncertainty and hinder ongoing reforms in universities and research institutions. They stress the importance of steady leadership for effective policy continuity.
As the process to select a new permanent head for the HEC unfolds, attention will focus on whether the transitional arrangement under Mahbub’s stewardship can maintain stability and confidence within the higher education sector.
