The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Higher Education Department (HED) has formed a high-level committee tasked with developing a comprehensive proposal for the establishment of a provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC). The proposed body will focus on structure, governance, and functional models, aiming to avoid the shortcomings observed in similar commissions formed by Punjab and Sindh.
According to official sources, the provincial government intends to create a financially and academically viable commission, learning from past experiences of other provinces. The initiative reflects a strategic move to improve higher education oversight in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
As per a notification issued by the HED, Zariful Mani, Managing Director of the KP Education Foundation, has been appointed as the convener of the committee. The committee comprises:
The committee has been directed to submit its findings and recommendations within 30 days. Its mandate includes conducting a comparative review of the provincial HEC models in Punjab and Sindh, analyzing their legal frameworks, governance mechanisms, regulatory authority, and the overall impact on higher education access, quality, technology, and employment outcomes.
Additionally, the panel will carry out a cost-benefit analysis and provide estimates for the financial and human resources required to establish and sustain the proposed commission. It will also evaluate the expected influence of a provincial HEC on university standards, innovation, and academic excellence.
A committee member shared that the recommendations will be grounded in a professional approach, prioritizing financial sustainability, policy reform, and the relevance of university programs to job markets. “We’re aiming to design a commission that functions effectively without becoming a financial burden or causing administrative conflicts,” the member said.
Furthermore, the committee is likely to recommend that the government establish clear performance targets and KPIs for vice chancellors post-appointment.
The final proposal will include a draft legislative framework for the provincial HEC’s establishment, which the HED will present to the provincial government.
Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi confirmed the plan, emphasizing the urgency of forming a provincial commission. “It’s a timely initiative, but we’re also being cautious to ensure the proposed body doesn’t become an inefficient or unsustainable entity,” he stated.