HEC decides to organise 6th Vice Chancellors Forum in Rabat

The Federal Higher Education Commission has decided to organise the 6th Vice Chancellors Forum in Rabat, Morocco, which is likely to incur heavy expenses.

There are 260 universities in Pakistan, of which about 155 are government universities. The cost of tickets, accommodation and food is likely to be between Rs70,000 and Rs100,000. It is reported that Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has written a letter to the director general of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Dr. Saleem M. Al-Malik, stating that he would like to express his sincere gratitude for his continued support and cooperation in organizing the 6th Vice Chancellors Forum of Universities of the Islamic World, which was originally scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan on May 12-13, 2025.

The letter states: “We fully acknowledge and appreciate your concerns regarding the current security situation and agree that the safety and well-being of all participants is of paramount importance. Your advice is well taken, and the forum has accordingly been postponed. The ICESCO's proactive approach in proposing a demanding yet apt alternative is appreciated. We welcome the proposal to relocate the Forum to the ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, and fully support the new proposed dates of June 23-25, 2025. We are confident that this adjustment will ensure continuity in our shared strategic goals while providing a hospitable environment to all the delegates.”

The letter further says that the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan had planned to announce the ILM Bank Scholarship's for the Muslim World during the forum. This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering inclusive and transformative educational opportunities across member states.

“We seek your support in mobilizing broader endorsement and engagement for the scholarships from stakeholders across the Muslim world and reaching out to them for the purpose directly. In addition, I visualize ILM Bank as an institution of OIC Member States for promoting collaborative & impactful research, academic & scholarly exchanges, training & skills development, etc. and would request that we may jointly propose to the Universities to organize and announce grants, opportunities and programs in this regard during the forum. ICESCO and HEC together may establish a digital platform to institutionalize the ILM Bank for the common good.

“HEC remains committed to jointly organizing this important event with ICESCO. We look forward to working closely with your esteemed team to organize necessary program and logistical arrangements.”