Islamabad: Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), has assumed the charge as the Acting Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI). The President of Pakistan, who is also the Chancellor of IIUI, approved his appointment to this interim position.

Dr. Mukhtar, an academic leader with extensive experience in higher education, is expected to enhance the university’s focus on providing high-quality education and research.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, Dr. Mukhtar’s career includes significant roles such as Chairman of the Higher Education Commission from 2014 to 2018, Executive Director of HEC, and Member (Operations and Planning) of HEC. He also served as Deputy Director General at the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) in Rabat, Morocco.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and further advanced studies with an MBA and PhD from the University of California, Riverside, USA. His over three decades of experience span teaching, research, administration, and policy development across national and international platforms. He has contributed to integrating educational research with industry and promoting entrepreneurial approaches in education.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mukhtar has been instrumental in implementing reforms in higher education. His efforts have focused on increasing access to university education, strengthening quality assurance systems, and advocating for increased funding for higher education from federal and provincial governments. His initiatives have also centered on developing university infrastructure, fostering collaborations among faculty, researchers, and universities globally, and curbing illegal practices in the higher education sector.