Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, through its Education Testing Council (ETC), has initiated the first phase of the Higher Education Aptitude and Achievement Test (HAAT) Subject Committee Meeting. This event, held in Islamabad, gathered academic leaders and experts from universities nationwide to advance a standardized testing framework for graduate admissions.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Chairman of HEC, inaugurated the meeting, stressing the necessity for a transparent and merit-based assessment system in higher education institutions across the country. He highlighted the importance of uniform assessment standards and academic collaboration to enhance the quality and credibility of the graduate admission process.

The event featured Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Executive Director of HEC, as the Guest of Honour, and Dr. Muhammad Imtiaz Haider, CEO of ETC, who outlined the objectives and roadmap of the HAAT program. An expert presentation by Dr. Arnold J. Brouwer from the Netherlands provided international insights into standardized testing for graduate admissions.

Following the opening session, HAAT Subject Committees engaged in detailed discussions to design test specifications that align with graduate-level requirements. The meeting concluded with the approval of these designs and recognition of participants for their contributions. The initiative underscores HEC’s dedication to enhancing assessment practices and strengthening Pakistan’s higher education system.