HEC Accepts Resignation of Executive Director Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum

HEC Confirms Leadership Change

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has formally confirmed the resignation of its Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum, in a major leadership shift that could shape the future of higher education in the country.

According to an official notification issued on October 2, 2025, his resignation was accepted with immediate effect following the approval of the HEC Chairman. The development comes at a time when Pakistan’s higher education sector is facing critical challenges, including funding constraints, quality assurance, digital transformation, and international recognition of degrees.

The HEC office order regarding his resignation has been widely circulated to top federal and provincial authorities, including:

• The Prime Minister’s Secretariat

• The President’s Secretariat

• The Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training

• Governors of all provinces

• Vice-Chancellors of public and private universities across Pakistan

This indicates the importance of the Executive Director’s role in coordinating national academic policies and reforms.

Profile of Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum

Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum has been a prominent figure in Pakistan’s higher education landscape. Prior to his appointment as HEC Executive Director, he served as Vice-Chancellor of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), where he introduced reforms in distance learning, digitalization of courses, and quality assurance.

At HEC, Dr. Qayyum was responsible for:

• Overseeing policy development in higher education.

• Supervising funding allocation to universities.

• Leading initiatives for digital learning and technology integration.

• Strengthening research and innovation ecosystems.

• Supporting faculty development programs at national universities.

Colleagues and education experts often described him as a reform-oriented leader who focused on bridging the gap between higher education and industry demands.

Reasons Behind the Resignation

While the official notification did not mention reasons for Dr. Qayyum’s resignation, insiders from the education sector suggest that institutional pressures, governance challenges, and policy disagreements may have contributed to his decision.

Over the past year, HEC has faced criticism on multiple fronts:

• Budgetary constraints amid Pakistan’s broader economic crisis.

• The halt or delay of scholarship programs due to funding shortages.

• Questions over the international recognition of Pakistani degrees.

• Debates on the restructuring of HEC’s authority between the federal and provincial governments.

Given the scale of these challenges, education experts believe that Dr. Qayyum may have opted to step down rather than continue navigating the mounting pressures.

Impact on Higher Education Sector

The resignation of the HEC Executive Director is being seen as a turning point for Pakistan’s education policy direction. As one of the top decision-makers, the Executive Director plays a crucial role in shaping:

• University funding policies.

• Research grants and priorities.

• Accreditation and quality assurance frameworks.

• Scholarship programs for local and international students.

• Digital learning strategies and higher education modernization.

With Dr. Qayyum’s departure, education stakeholders are now awaiting the announcement of his successor, who will have the responsibility to continue — or redirect — ongoing reforms.

Universities on Alert

The news of the resignation has already reached Vice-Chancellors and Chancellors of Pakistan’s universities, both public and private. Many institutions are expressing concern about possible policy delays during the leadership transition.

A Vice-Chancellor of a leading university, speaking anonymously, said:

“The resignation of Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum has created uncertainty. The Executive Director’s office is central to approvals, fund disbursements, and policy implementation. Any leadership gap will slow down reforms.”

Universities are particularly worried about the continuity of research grants, scholarship disbursements, and accreditation processes.

Political and Administrative Reactions

The resignation has also drawn attention at the federal and provincial levels. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has yet to issue a statement, while parliamentarians from both government and opposition benches have called for clarity on the leadership transition.

Education committees in the National Assembly and Senate are expected to raise questions regarding the future of HEC reforms and demand transparency in the appointment of the next Executive Director.

The Road Ahead: Who Will Succeed Dr. Qayyum?

As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum’s successor. According to HEC’s organizational structure, the next Executive Director is likely to be appointed from within senior ranks of academia or the federal education ministry.

Potential candidates may include:

• Senior HEC officials with experience in policy development and administration.

• Former Vice-Chancellors with proven track records in university reforms.

• Educationists recognized for their contributions to research and innovation.

Whoever takes charge will face enormous pressure to address issues of funding, quality assurance, global competitiveness, and digital transformation.

Broader Challenges for HEC

The change in leadership highlights ongoing systemic challenges for the Higher Education Commission:

1. Financial Crisis – Universities across Pakistan have repeatedly warned of budget cuts and delayed grants.

2. Brain Drain – A growing number of Pakistani researchers and students are moving abroad due to lack of local opportunities.

3. Accreditation Issues – Disputes with international universities regarding degree equivalence have hurt Pakistan’s education credibility.

4. Technology Integration – Post-pandemic, the shift to e-learning and digital platforms remains uneven across institutions.

5. Research and Development – Despite progress, Pakistan still lags in global research rankings.

The incoming Executive Director will have to provide visionary leadership to steer HEC through these challenges.

Expert Opinions

Educational analysts are divided on Dr. Qayyum’s resignation. Some argue that his departure could pave the way for fresh reforms, while others fear it will stall critical progress at a time when stability is most needed.

Dr. Ayesha Khan, an education policy expert, commented:

“HEC has long been criticized for bureaucratic delays. What Pakistan needs is a forward-looking leader who can push reforms, ensure transparency, and align universities with global standards.”

Conclusion

The resignation of Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum as Executive Director of HEC marks a major development in Pakistan’s higher education landscape. His exit leaves a leadership vacuum at a time when the sector is struggling with funding shortages, policy uncertainty, and global competitiveness challenges.

As universities and policymakers await the appointment of his successor, the future of HEC’s ongoing reforms and initiatives remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the next Executive Director will inherit both serious challenges and major opportunities to reshape Pakistan’s education system.