A meeting of the search committee regarding the appointment of a permanent Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) was held on Wednesday, while Federal Secretary for Education Nadeem Mahbub has assumed charge as acting HEC Chairman.
The meeting of the search committee, formed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, was chaired by Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and attended by committee members. The committee formally approved the advertisement of the HEC Chairman vacancy.
According to sources, it was decided that the advertisement would be published not only in national newspapers but also on international platforms, to attract highly qualified and suitable candidates from around the world. The committee also agreed to adopt a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Nadeem Mahbub, appointed as Acting HEC Chairman by the federal government, officially took charge. He was welcomed by the Acting Executive Director of HEC and presented with a bouquet. Former HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar also welcomed Nadeem Mahbub and presented him with flowers.
The tenure of the previous HEC Chairman has ended. Sources said that the advertisement will be issued in the coming days, after which the scrutiny of eligible candidates will begin, focusing on merit, experience, and international standards. The committee decided to give applicants four weeks to apply. The advertisement will be published in local newspapers and on international job websites.
According to the sources inside the ministry, the position is likely to attract domestic candidates, as the salary and benefits offered for the HEC chairman post are not appealing enough for international applicants.
