ISLAMABAD: Renowned academic and public health expert Prof Dr Ziaul Haq has taken charge as the new executive director (ED) of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
Dr Haq previously served as the vice chancellor of Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, for six years.
According to an HEC statement, Dr Haq brings strong leadership experience and an impressive record in academics and research.
He has been ranked among the top 2 per cent scientists in the world in the latest global ranking issued by Stanford University, USA.
These rankings highlight the most influential scientists across all fields based on verified citation data. He was also awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan on March 23, 2025, for his services.
Dr Haq completed his MBBS from Khyber Medical College and holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Glasgow, UK. He also served as the convener of the Higher Education Task Force set up by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.
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The HEC press release noted that KMU made “remarkable progress” during his tenure as vice chancellor. The university improved in governance, financial stability, academic standards and research output. Dr Haq has authored 105 research publications and secured more than Rs5 billion in competitive research grants.
Academicians and stakeholders have welcomed his appointment and expressed confidence that he will play an active role in improving the higher education sector.
He is expected to focus on financial and administrative issues and work to promote excellence in teaching, research and innovation across the country.
The post of ED became vacant after the resignation of Prof Dr Ziaul Qayyum, who was removed by the HEC commission. Although a court suspended the decision, he later resigned from the position.
The ED post is considered the most important after the chairman, as it serves as the principal accounting officer.
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The position of HEC chairman has also been vacant for several months after Dr Mukhtar Ahmed completed his term. In his absence, the education secretary has been overseeing the chairman’s responsibilities.
Sources said the process for selecting a new chairman is in the final stages. The search committee interviewed 27 candidates on Wednesday and Thursday. The top five candidates will be interviewed again next week before a panel of three names is forwarded to the Prime Minister’s Office, which will make the final appointment.
“Hopefully the HEC chairman will be appointed soon,” a member of the search committee said.
