Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has stepped down from his role as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) after completing his term, with Education Secretary Nadeem Mehboob appointed as acting chairman on an interim basis. The move comes as the federal government has yet to announce a permanent replacement.
According to sources, Dr. Ahmed’s tenure as HEC Chairman ended on July 29, 2025. In the absence of an immediate successor, the government has designated Education Secretary Nadeem Mehboob as acting chairman for a period of three months. Mehboob will continue to oversee the commission’s activities until a permanent chairman is selected and formally appointed.
The decision to appoint an acting chairman has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders in the education sector. While some have voiced concerns over the temporary arrangement, government officials assure that the process to select a permanent HEC chief is underway and is expected to be finalized soon.
The leadership transition at HEC occurs at a critical time for Pakistan’s higher education sector, with several key policy decisions and initiatives pending. The academic community is watching closely, anticipating a swift and transparent appointment process to ensure continuity in the commission’s work.
