The Higher Education Commission has imposed an immediate nationwide ban on the establishment and operation of Tehsil sub-campuses, citing serious concerns over academic quality, governance and institutional sustainability. The directive was issued by Niaz Ahmad Akhtar as part of an effort to protect degree standards and halt the expansion of campuses deemed structurally weak.
A comprehensive HEC review found that most Tehsil sub-campuses lack essential academic infrastructure, sufficient numbers of qualified PhD faculty and sustainable student enrolment. The regulator noted frequent shortfalls in laboratory and technical facilities, limited resources and weak governance structures that raise doubts about the validity of programmes offered at such sites.
Under the order all universities and degree-awarding institutions are prohibited from establishing, advertising or operating any Tehsil sub-campuses. The HEC made clear that no No Objection Certificates, accreditation support or degree attestation will be granted to these campuses, effectively removing their academic legitimacy until further review.
All pending proposals for Tehsil-level campuses stand suspended with immediate effect. Institutions have been directed to halt admissions, hiring, land acquisition and construction related to Tehsil sub-campuses, and any campus under consideration at institutional, provincial or federal levels must be placed on hold and referred to HEC for detailed assessment.
The commission warned that degrees issued by unapproved Tehsil sub-campuses will not be recognised or attested, a measure that could affect thousands of students. Responsibility for any violation of the directive has been placed on institutional leadership, including vice chancellors, rectors and governing bodies.
The move signals a significant tightening of regulatory oversight across Pakistan’s higher education sector as authorities seek to curb unchecked expansion and ensure that growth does not compromise academic quality. Universities planning local-level extensions will now face closer scrutiny and must meet HEC criteria before proceeding with Tehsil sub-campuses.
