Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has issued a directive urging universities to maintain merit and uphold institutional integrity in faculty and administrative appointments. The advisory emphasizes the need for transparent processes by involving university Syndicates or relevant statutory forums in decision-making.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the advisory was communicated in a letter addressed to Vice Chancellors and Presidents of universities. It stressed the importance of circulating agendas for Syndicate and other statutory forum meetings well in advance, allowing members ample time for thorough discussion and analysis. The letter states that the Commission is dedicated to ensuring appointments are made through established statutory channels, promoting merit and integrity.

The HEC’s mandate includes guiding institutions towards good governance, setting minimum standards, and evaluating their implementation. The Commission has strongly advised against any compromise on integrity and transparency in decision-making processes, noting that any failures will be taken seriously.

The advisory further details that universities should share significant agenda items with relevant statutory bodies in accordance with prescribed timelines. Adequate preparation time for members is crucial for informed decision-making, and adherence to these guidelines is linked to positive institutional reputation and educational quality.

Additionally, the HEC has connected compliance with this advisory to the upcoming Institutional Performance Review (IPR) by its Quality Assurance Agency, scheduled for the next two months.