ISLAMABAD - Professor Dr Mukhtar Ahmed assumed the charge as new executive director of Higher Education Commission (HEC) Friday.
The governing board of HEC had appointed Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed as new executive director of HEC on January 20. The Supreme Court had directed the HEC on December 20, 2012 for recruitment/ appointment of new HEC ED within 30 days.
But suspicions have been voiced about the selection process of ED and the matter is being heard in Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court.
The post fell vacant after the Prime Minister being Controlling Authority of HEC removed Sohail Naqvi, former ED, terming his second tenure extension as illegal granted by the governing commission.
The Prime Minister gave charge of the post to Ministry of Education and Training Secretary Qamar Zaman that was challenged the Supreme Court.
The apex court declared the government’s move as interference in HEC affairs and declared the appointment of Qamar Zaman by the PM as null and void, the court also ruled that the Commission’s decision to extend the term of former ED was also illegal and directed the HEC Chairman to appoint new ED within 30 days.