HEC Directed to Review University Degrees Across Pakistan

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to conduct a comprehensive review of university degree programs and curricula to ensure they meet the demands of emerging technologies and future economic needs.

In a policy directive issued on Friday, Iqbal said Pakistan’s higher education system must adapt to the rapidly changing global economy driven by Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0. He stressed that universities should equip students with skills relevant to future industries rather than outdated professions.

The minister instructed the HEC to evaluate all degree programs based on employability, industry relevance, future demand, technological disruption risks and alignment with national development priorities. Programs with outdated content, weak market relevance or poor employment outcomes may be restructured, modernized, consolidated or phased out.

He also ordered the formation of a high-level task force comprising academics, industry experts, entrepreneurs and policymakers to recommend reforms aimed at preparing students for future economic challenges.

The review will focus on expanding education in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Automation, Renewable Energy, Climate Science, FinTech and Digital Health.

Iqbal further called for the integration of AI literacy, digital skills, data analytics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities across all university programs.

The HEC has been asked to submit within 60 days a national audit framework for reviewing existing degree programs, recommendations for introducing new future-oriented disciplines, and a roadmap for aligning higher education with national development priorities and labor market requirements.