The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has announced the recipients of the Best University Teacher Award (BUTA) 2025, recognizing seven faculty members from universities across Pakistan for their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and academic excellence.
The awards were presented during a ceremony held at the HEC Secretariat on Tuesday, marking the successful conclusion of the BUTA 2025 cycle. The recipients were selected through a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by the commission.
HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar attended the ceremony as the chief guest. The event was also attended by HEC Executive Director Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Adviser (Research and Innovation) Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, vice chancellors, senior university officials, members of the selection committees, and HEC management.
Each award recipient received a cash prize of Rs. 1 million along with a certificate of recognition.
The Best University Teacher Awards 2025 were conferred on:
- Dr. Nadia Nawaz, COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah Campus – Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction
- Dr. Rashid Jalil, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore – Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics
- Dr. Irfan Bashir, University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore – Education
- Dr. Abrar Ashraf Ali, King Edward Medical University, Lahore – Health and Welfare
- Dr. Owais Mufti, Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar – Business, Administration and Law
- Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) – Social Sciences, Journalism and Information
- Dr. Rao Zahid, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad – Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary
Addressing the ceremony, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar congratulated the award recipients and emphasized the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations. He said the award recognizes excellence in teaching, dedication to knowledge dissemination, meaningful student engagement, and the development of skills needed to prepare youth for future challenges.
He urged university faculty to serve as role models by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning, while encouraging institutions to focus on producing knowledge and innovation that create tangible societal impact.
The HEC chairman also commended the selection committees and the HEC team for conducting a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.
In his welcome address, Executive Director HEC Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq described teaching as one of the most respected professions, highlighting educators’ critical role in building a knowledgeable society and shaping the nation’s future.
He also noted that the Best University Teacher Award was launched by HEC in 2003 to recognize outstanding university teachers and promote excellence in teaching and learning across Pakistan’s higher education institutions.
