The Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended an order issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), observing that the commission does not have the legal authority to handle employment and service matters of faculty and staff at chartered universities in Pakistan.
Justice Jawad Hassan issued the interim order on Tuesday while hearing a petition filed by a private university challenging HEC’s interference in its internal affairs.
During the hearing, Advocate Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, representing the university, argued that the institution was established under the Times University Multan Act, 2020, and that its employment matters were regulated by the Employees Service Regulations, 2022.
He explained that Section 10 of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance, 2002, authorizes HEC to evaluate, improve, and promote higher education and research through policies and guidelines. However, the law does not allow the commission to intervene in the internal administration or employment matters of chartered universities.
The lawyer also informed the court that HEC had issued the disputed order following directions given in an earlier writ petition. He maintained that such directions could not extend the commission’s powers beyond those granted by law.
After reviewing the arguments, Justice Hassan suspended the HEC order, noting that the university’s claim regarding the commission exceeding its legal authority appeared to carry significant weight.
The court admitted the petition for regular hearing and issued notices to the respondents for December 10.
It also directed the law officer to obtain instructions and ensure that the respondents submit a report and paragraph-wise comments within four weeks.
A senior HEC official familiar with the case was ordered to appear at the next hearing to explain the commission’s position.
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