The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed universities to complete all pending recruitments by August 15, 2026, warning of administrative and regulatory action over continued delays.
In a letter issued on February 27 to vice chancellors, rectors and heads of institutions, HEC Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar described the non-filling of key statutory and administrative posts as a persistent governance problem.
He said prolonged vacancies and ad-hoc arrangements have disrupted academic planning, research supervision and student services.
The letter identified vacant positions including pro vice chancellor, dean, registrar, treasurer and controller of examinations, along with faculty posts such as professor, associate professor, assistant professor and lecturer.
HEC cited a recent survey showing that nearly 40 percent of faculty and administrative positions in higher education institutions remain vacant. The commission raised the issue during its 13th urgent meeting held on February 9, 2025.
The advisory directs universities to advertise and fill all vacant posts under their respective university acts and convene selection boards regularly with transparency and merit. HEC instructed institutions to clear pending recruitment cases and initiate steps to create posts where appointments are delayed due to lack of sanctioned seats.
The commission warned that failure to finalize recruitment processes within the deadline will attract serious consequences.