The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed all universities and degree-awarding institutions across Pakistan to obtain accreditation for their business and management programs, warning that institutions failing to comply could face suspension of admissions.
The directive is part of HEC’s efforts to strengthen quality assurance and improve academic standards in higher education. Under the instructions, all business and management programs must secure accreditation from the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC), Pakistan’s official accreditation body for business education.
NBEAC evaluates institutions on key quality indicators, including governance, curriculum design, faculty qualifications, research output, student support services, and industry engagement.
HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar issued the instructions to vice chancellors, rectors, presidents, and heads of higher education institutions, emphasizing the need to enhance the international competitiveness of Pakistani business education.
According to HEC, many business programs currently operate without NBEAC accreditation. The commission has directed all institutions to complete the accreditation process by the Fall 2027 semester and ensure compliance with the council’s minimum quality standards.
The commission warned that failure to meet the deadline may result in regulatory action, including the suspension of admissions in non-compliant business and management programs.
HEC also informed universities that accreditation guidelines, application procedures, and related resources are available through the official NBEAC platform to facilitate timely compliance.
The latest directive follows HEC’s broader quality assurance drive aimed at improving academic standards across Pakistan’s higher education sector.
