ISLAMABAD   -  Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FE&PT) on Friday appointed Engineer Ahmed Farooq Bazai as acting chairperson of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Engr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai is member of the HEC and Vice Chancellor (VC) Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences. 

Earlier the government had removed Prof. Dr. Tariq Banuri from the post of the chairperson HEC who later challenged the decision of the government in Sindh High Court (SHC).

Notification issued by the ministry of FE&PT said that by operation of the Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021, Dr. Tariq Banuri has ceased to hold office of the chairperson, Higher Education Commission w.e.f 26th March,2021.

It added that vide Order dated 29-03-2021 passed by Sindh High Court in Suit No. 774/2021, the post of the Chairperson shall be kept vacant. 

The notification said that therefore, no new appointment shall be made to fill the post of Chairperson till the order of the Court remains in field.

“Accordingly, the controlling authority is pleased to nominate Engr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Vice Chancellor Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Balochistan,  Member, Higher Education Commission to act as Chairperson in terms of Section 8 (3) of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance 2002,” said the notification.

The operation of the notification shall be subject to the orders passed by Sindh High Court in Suit No. 774/2021.