Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has emphasized the importance of implementing the ‘Quality Assurance Framework’ to elevate the standards of higher education in Pakistan. The framework, developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the British Council, is aimed at aligning Pakistan’s educational institutions with global standards.
Ahsan Iqbal shared these remarks during a meeting with Professor Mudassar Wyne, a Pakistani-American academic specializing in quality assurance, who visited him in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The minister lauded the contributions of overseas Pakistani experts to the country’s development under the “Uraan Pakistan” initiative, a program designed to harness the expertise of expatriates for national progress. He proposed forming a “Premier League Group,” comprising the top 10 universities in Pakistan, to set benchmarks and drive reforms that would enhance their global competitiveness.
Professor Mudassar Wyne, who holds a PhD in Computer Science and serves as a quality assurance expert in California, briefed the minister on internationally recognized principles of quality assurance. He specifically referred to standards established by the American Board of Engineering and Technology, emphasizing their potential relevance to improving educational practices in Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education through robust quality assurance mechanisms and partnerships with global experts. He expressed optimism that the Quality Assurance Framework would serve as a cornerstone for transformative changes in the country’s education system, fostering innovation and excellence.
