USP Rector Commends HEC Chairman’s Reform Agenda, Calls for a Stronger and Future-Ready Higher Education System

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector of the University of Southern Punjab (USP) in Multan, Pakistan, has praised the leadership and reform-oriented initiatives of Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, for efforts to strengthen the country's higher education system through improved governance, academic quality, digital transformation, research innovation, and international engagement.

The Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, met with the HEC Chairman in Islamabad. Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf, Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University (NSU) in Islamabad, also attended. The meeting offered an opportunity to exchange views on Pakistan's evolving higher education landscape and the need for universities to become more responsive to emerging national and global challenges.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar particularly appreciated the Chairman's proactive approach to introducing meaningful reforms and translating higher education policies into tangible institutional outcomes. He highlighted several key initiatives, including the introduction of a mandatory three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence course in undergraduate programs across Pakistani universities, the establishment of National Chairs in emerging technologies, and the strengthening of outcome-based education to ensure that university graduates possess relevant knowledge, competencies, and practical skills.

He also appreciated HEC’s initiatives to improve transparency and merit in postgraduate admissions, as well as policies that facilitate dual, double, and joint degree programs with international universities. He observed that these initiatives reflect a growing recognition that the future of higher education must be shaped by technological advancement, interdisciplinary learning, employability, and global academic collaboration.

The USP rector acknowledged the Chairman's efforts to strengthen university governance, address longstanding administrative challenges, promote research commercialization, and expand opportunities for talented young Pakistanis through national-level talent development programs. He noted that the growing international visibility of Pakistani universities in global rankings also underscores the importance of sustained institutional reforms, academic quality, and research excellence.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar formally invited Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar to visit the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, and to interact with students, faculty, and staff. He expressed the hope that the Chairman's visit would provide an opportunity to share perspectives on the future of higher education, encourage young scholars, and strengthen the relationship between the HEC and universities in South Punjab.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of sustained collaboration between the HEC and universities to advance academic excellence, strengthen institutional capacity, empower young people, and position Pakistan's higher education sector for greater national and international impact.