The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, established in 2002, is a statutory body responsible for funding, regulating, overseeing, and accrediting higher education institutions in the country. It aims to upgrade universities and degree-awarding institutes to be focal points of high learning, research, and development, and to build a knowledge-based economy in Pakistan. The HEC was founded in the aftermath of significant disturbances in the higher education sector due to inadequate funding and policy implementation. The first chairman of the HEC was Atta-ur-Rahman, who initiated reforms that have been praised by international observers.
The HEC was originally established in 1974 as the University Grants Commission (UGC), which was responsible for providing grants to universities and overseeing their functioning. The UGC was dissolved in 2002, and the HEC was established as a new autonomous organization that was independent of the Federal Ministry of Education. The first chairman of the HEC was Atta-ur-Rahman, who was a scientist and chemist and had previously served as the Federal Minister of Science and Technology.
Under Atta-ur-Rahman's leadership, the HEC implemented a program to enhance access, improve quality, and increase the relevance of higher education to the needs and requirements of Pakistan. The reforms carried out in science and higher education between 2000 and 2008 have been applauded by international observers, and Atta-ur-Rahman was called "a force of nature" in an article published in Nature.
The HEC's efforts led to four Pakistani universities being ranked among the top 300, 400, and 500 universities in the world under the Times Higher Education (UK) rankings of 2008. In addition, Pakistan emerged as the country with the highest increase in the percentage of highly cited papers in comparison to the BRIC countries.
Atta-ur-Rahman also took measures to promote distance education and information technology in Pakistan. As of 2020, Pakistan has 85% teledensity, with 183 million cellular, 98 million 3G/4G, and 101 million broadband subscribers, due to the foundations laid by Atta-ur-Rahman in the IT and telecom industry during 2000–2008.
After Atta-ur-Rahman's tenure, the situation in the higher education sector deteriorated, and the rankings of all universities slipped badly. Javaid Laghari was the second chairman of the HEC from 2009 to 2013 and tried to continue the higher education reforms despite serious cuts in funding and opposition by the government. He exposed the fake degrees of many parliamentarians, including ministers, in spite of pressure from the government.
Currently, two task forces have been formed to promote research and development in science and technology fields. The "Technology Driven Knowledge Economy" task force, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and with Atta-ur-Rahman as its Vice Chairman, has the mandate to promote research in technology fields and to initiate projects that can use science and technology for sustainable and equitable socio-economic development. Another task force of the Prime Minister on science and technology has been formed with Atta-ur-Rahman as its chairman.
Pakistan's first foreign engineering university, Pak Austria Fachhochschule, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2020. It incorporates a hybrid model involving a Fachhochschule half and a postgraduate research half, with a central technology park for promotion of innovations. There are eight foreign universities collaborating (three Austrian and five Chinese) to train the faculty, control quality.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is a statutory body established by the Government of Pakistan with the primary function of funding, overseeing, regulating, and accrediting higher education institutions in the country. As an integral part of the higher education sector in Pakistan, the HEC offers various job opportunities for professionals and individuals interested in contributing to the development of higher education in the country.
The HEC offers diverse employment opportunities ranging from administrative, research, academic, and technical positions. The commission is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where individuals from different backgrounds can come together to advance higher education in Pakistan.
The job positions offered by the HEC can be categorized into three primary categories:
The administrative and support staff at HEC is responsible for providing support to the commission's operations. This category of staff includes positions such as assistants, clerks, data entry operators, drivers, and security personnel.
The research and academic staff at HEC is responsible for conducting research, developing policies, and improving the quality of higher education in Pakistan. This category of staff includes positions such as research associates, professors, lecturers, and academic coordinators.
The technical staff at HEC is responsible for providing technical support to the commission's operations. This category of staff includes positions such as IT professionals, network administrators, and engineers.
The qualifications and requirements for HEC jobs vary depending on the position applied for. However, most job positions require at least a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. Additionally, candidates are required to possess relevant work experience, skills, and knowledge in the field.
The HEC also offers internship opportunities to students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the higher education sector.
The application process for HEC jobs is simple and straightforward. Interested candidates can visit the HEC's official website to view the available job positions and submit their application online. Candidates are required to submit their resumes, cover letters, and other relevant documents, such as academic transcripts and certificates.
The HEC follows a strict selection process that includes multiple stages, such as a written test, interviews, and reference checks. Only candidates who meet the qualifications and requirements for the job position will be considered for the selection process.
The HEC offers a range of benefits and perks to its employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Additionally, the commission provides opportunities for professional development and training to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge.
Working at the Higher Education Commission offers individuals an opportunity to contribute to the development of higher education in Pakistan. With a diverse range of job positions available, the HEC is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that promotes professional growth and development. If you are interested in working at the HEC, visit their official website to view the available job positions and apply online.
| Important Information | |
|---|---|
| HEC Job Portal: | https://careers.hec.gov.pk/ |
| HEC Address: | Head Office, Sector H-9, East Service Road, Islamabad |
| HEC Contact: | +92-051-111-119-432 |
| Email: | sup_careers@hec.gov.pk |
Lates HEC Jobs are listed Below.
