The National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) hosted a ceremony at its premises to mark the 23rd founding anniversary of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), bringing together senior officials, founding members and fellows to celebrate two decades of progress in Pakistan’s higher education sector. The event highlighted HEC’s achievements, reaffirmed commitments to quality and inclusivity, and called for continued collaboration to meet future educational and economic needs.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Syed Mahmood Raza, Former Advisor to the HEC and a member of its founding team, who served as the chief guest, along with 27 Institute of Public Finance and Policy (IPFP) fellows, NAHE officers and staff. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions of universities, faculty, researchers and students in strengthening higher education nationwide.
Dr. Syed Mahmood Raza underscored the pivotal role HEC has played in transforming Pakistan’s higher education landscape since its establishment. He praised collective efforts across the sector and reiterated the importance of sustaining quality, fostering innovation and ensuring inclusivity so that higher education continues to serve national development goals.
Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director of NAHE, said the institution remains committed to widening access to higher education, supporting advanced research, enhancing governance and aligning academic programs with the evolving needs of society and the economy. She emphasized that NAHE will continue to support initiatives that bridge academia, industry and policy.
In his remarks, Mr. Sulaiman Ahmed, Director of NAHE, reaffirmed the academy’s dedication to advancing HEC’s vision and mission. He highlighted the need for renewed transformation to ensure higher education institutions can effectively respond to the dynamic demands of society, industry and the emerging knowledge economy.
The celebration included a cake-cutting ceremony and special tributes to HEC’s founders, leadership and partners whose vision has shaped the commission’s progress. The event concluded with participants collectively pledging to continue efforts toward the advancement of higher education in Pakistan.
