National Dialogue Advances Quality Assurance in Higher Education: AKU Hosted Third Iteration of Landmark Event with HEC
Following the success of previous years, the Higher Education Commission Pakistan's (HEC) Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), in partnership with the Network of Quality, Teaching and Learning (QTL_net), Aga Khan University's (AKU) convened the national dialogue aimed at advancing and strengthening quality assurance practices in higher education in Pakistan.
Held at AKU's Karachi campus from June 16–17 and 19-20, the workshop brought together institutional leaders from HEC and AKU, as well as Vice Chancellors, Heads of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and Directors of Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) from across Karachi, Sindh, and Balochistan. The presence of the Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and representatives from the provinces of Sindh and Punjab Higher Education Commission further reflected the growing spirit of inter-provincial collaboration in quality assurance.
Participants engaged in discussions focused on the implementation of HEC's revised Quality Assurance Framework (PSG-2023), and strategies for continuous improvement in institutional processes and academic programmes. A central theme of the dialogue was translating policy into practice. Institutions reflected on their progress toward meeting national quality standards and shared innovative approaches to embedding quality culture at both institutional and programme levels.
Mr. Faisal F. Notta, Director of AKU's QEC, presented a pioneering initiative to involve students in the quality enhancement process. He highlighted the importance of using the Students as Partner (SaP) approach to further enhance the rigor and effectiveness of quality enhancement processes by aligning it with best practices models. AKU students shared their reflections of their engagement in quality improvement which was appreciated by both HEC and university quality enhancement directors.
The closing ceremony was attended by AKU Provost Dr. Tania Bubela; Dr. Jane Rarieya, Interim Vice Provost, QTL_net; Mr. Faisal Notta; and Prof. Dr. Anwar ur Hassan Gillani, Consultant to the Quality Assurance Agency, HEC. In her remarks, Dr. Bubela stated: “As we conclude, I want to leave you with two messages: Celebrate the progress you've made even small gains are worth recognizing and invest in your people especially the faculty, students who drive improvement from within and Quality Enhancement leaders". Professor Dr. Jane Rarieya emphasized the critical role of QEC Directors, calling them “the true change-makers" in advancing academic quality. Dr. Gillani described the gathering as a unique experience. “I am confident that through such dialogue and engagement exercises, quality assurance will be thoroughly ensured."
The workshop reinforced the importance of national collaboration in strengthening quality assurance processes and building institutional capacity. As universities across Pakistan work toward implementing PSG-2023 and aligning with HEC's evolving QA policies, platforms like this serve as vital opportunities for peer learning, capacity building, and cross-institutional exchange. AKU's QTL_net was honoured to once again host this meaningful engagement and contribute to a shared vision of continuous improvement and excellence in Pakistan's higher education sector.
