by July 29–30, 2025 | Islamabad – With Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed’s tenure at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) formally ending on July 29, 2025, the federal government has appointed Federal Education Secretary Nadeem Mahbub as the acting Chairman of the HEC. His interim term spans three months or until a permanent appointment is made, in accordance with Section 8(3) of the HEC Ordinance, 2002.
🔍 Background & Appointment Timeline
- Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed was initially appointed in 2014 for a four-year term, reappointed in 2022 for a second two-year term, and granted an additional extension until July 30, 2024.
- Due to delays in announcing a successor, concerns over ad hocism began to surface, prompting advocacy for a merit-based and timely transition.
- Govt Appoints Acting HEC Chairman.
- A search committee, led by Federal Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, was notified on June 17 after being approved by the Prime Minister on June 12.
- The search committee convened its first meeting on July 9, 2025, affirming its commitment to transparency and timely selection. The next meeting was scheduled for July 16 to evaluate shortlisted candidates.
🤝 Who Is Nadeem Mahbub?
Nadeem Mahbub, serving as the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, also holds membership in the HEC Commission. His dual role enabled a seamless transition in line with the legal provisions of the Ordinance.
✅ Key Implications & Insights
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Continuity & Stability | Ensures HEC operations continue without disruption during leadership transition. |
| Transparency in Process | The search committee has upheld merit-based principles, emphasizing fairness and visibility. |
| Academic Community Response | Mixed reactions: optimism about the interim arrangement, concern over the pace of permanent appointment. |
| Timeline for Regular Appointment | Formal advertisement expected soon; process could take 3–4 weeks post-announcement before final selection. The full appointment likely beyond the acting term window. |
🧠 What Lies Ahead
Even as the interim leadership steps in, stakeholders stress the urgency of selecting a visionary permanent chairperson. With Pakistan’s youth population at a historic high, robust governance and innovative leadership at HEC are essential to drive reforms in research funding, curriculum overhaul, and university autonomy.
The Ministry has pledged a transparent and merit-based process, and hopes are high that the search committee will deliver a final candidate for Prime Minister’s approval in the coming weeks.
🎯 Final Thoughts
The appointment of Nadeem Mahbub as acting Chairman marks a crucial step in maintaining institutional continuity at HEC. While not a permanent solution, this interim measure adheres to the legal framework and underscores the government’s pledge toward merit and transparency. Now, all eyes are on the search committee to see whether it can deliver swift and credible leadership that aligns with national academic ambitions.
