ISLAMABAD: Vice Chancellor Quaid-i-Azam University Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar is likely to be new Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Reliable sources said that name of Dr Niaz has almost been finalised by Prime Minister Office for the post of the HEC chairman.

The three shortlisted candidates were: former VC QAU Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor University of Punjab Dr Mohammad Ali and VC NED University Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi. “Soon new appointment will be made as name of Dr Niaz has been almost finalised,” said a senior member of the ruling party. “Yes, PM office has cleared name of Dr Niaz for post of Chairman HEC,” said another source in PML-N.

The post of chairman HEC has remained vacant since July 2025. In the absence of a regular incumbent, Secretary Education Nadeem Mahbub has been holding the additional charge as acting chairman.

More than 700 candidates had applied for the post. After completing various stages, the search committee conducted interviews and shortlisted the three candidates.

Public sector universities under the banner of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association and private universities through Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan have been expressing their concern over the inordinate delay in the appointment of the HEC chairman.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2026