The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the University of Utah here on Thursday have signed a partnership to promote capacity-building initiatives in public sector universities across Pakistan. This initiative, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA), aims to enhance faculty development, strategic planning, policy reforms and institutional governance. The signing ceremony was attended by Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Deputy Mission Director USAID Andrew McKim and other senior officials from HEC, University of Utah, and USAID.

Adviser Global Engagement HEC Awais Ahmed and Professor of Civil Engineering University of Utah Dr. Michael Barber signed the document on behalf of their respective institutions. The initiative adds another 16 Pakistani universities to the fold of partnership, as 16 universities are already being supported through HESSA. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, “This partnership with the University of Utah will empower faculty and institutional leaders to elevate education standards across Pakistan.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan