Punjab Higher Education Commission Convenes 40th Meeting to Review Key Institutional Progress and Strategic Planning
LAHORE — The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) held its 40th Commission meeting on June 25, 2025, at Arfa Software Technology Park, Lahore. Chaired by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (HI, SI), the session brought together prominent figures from academia and government to discuss the province’s higher education agenda, institutional performance, and policy initiatives aimed at fostering academic excellence.
Key attendees included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Chairperson of the Accreditation Committee; Prof. Dr. Khalid Masud Gondal, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU), Lahore; and Ms. Zahida Azher, Additional Secretary of the Higher Education Department (HED). The meeting was further strengthened by representation from several government departments, including the Specialized Health, Finance, and Agriculture sectors, underlining a multi-sectoral commitment to education reform.
Also present were influential education leaders such as Dr. Muhammad Arshad, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Multan University of Science & Technology; Prof. Dr. Moeed Yousaf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University, Lahore; Prof. Dr. Nighat Zafar, Principal of Government Graduate College for Women Gulberg, Lahore; Muzammil Mehmood, a senior educationist; and Dr. Mansoor Ahmad Baluch, Chief Operating Officer of PHEC.
The meeting focused on evaluating institutional performance metrics, accreditation procedures, and progress on university development plans across Punjab. Discussions included strategies to enhance research output, foster academic-industry linkages, and ensure equitable access to higher education across urban and rural regions. Special attention was given to the role of technology integration in education and the implementation of governance standards in line with national quality assurance frameworks.
Chairperson Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan emphasized the need for data-driven decision-making and praised the collaborative efforts of public and private stakeholders in promoting educational excellence. He reiterated PHEC’s vision to elevate Punjab’s institutions to global standards through sustained investment in quality assurance, faculty development, and academic infrastructure.
The 40th Commission meeting marked another milestone in PHEC’s commitment to aligning provincial higher education goals with national development priorities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and inclusive academic growth.
