The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has launched a major initiative to transform public universities through advanced digital solutions, replacing decades-old paper-based systems with modern, technology-driven processes. This nationwide push aims to improve student services, strengthen academic management, and bring universities in line with international digital standards.
For years, students, faculty, and administrative staff faced delays and inefficiencies in tasks like course registration, fee processing, and accessing academic records. These outdated methods not only slowed university operations but also limited access to learning resources, particularly in remote areas. Now, with the Higher Education Development Project (HEDP)—launched in 2019 with World Bank funding—HEC is working to eliminate these bottlenecks.
A key part of this transformation is the Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN), the country’s National Education and Research Network (NREN), which connects over 300 universities and higher education institutions to high-speed internet and valuable academic services. PERN enables remote campuses to access both national and global learning resources, narrowing the digital divide for students in underserved regions.
Another milestone is Maktab, HEC’s homegrown enterprise resource planning (ERP) system built on SAP infrastructure. Maktab integrates core university functions—student enrollment, fee management, human resources, finance, and examinations—into a single platform, streamlining processes from admission to graduation. This not only saves operational costs but also improves transparency and efficiency.
To support this shift, HEC has established two state-of-the-art datacenters, called Astrolabes, in Lahore and Karachi. These facilities offer secure cloud storage, advanced data processing, and robust academic application hosting. With Astrolabe’s capabilities, universities can now provide computing power and data access comparable to top-tier institutions worldwide, enabling research and innovation without technological limitations.
Recognizing that technology alone is not enough, HEC has also focused on training. Through the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), over 1,100 faculty members and 900 administrative staff have been trained in digital tools, online teaching, and academic management. This human capital development ensures that digital systems are used effectively.
By the end of 2024, an independent review found that HEDP had achieved over 95% of its targets, leading the World Bank to upgrade its performance rating. This progress reflects HEC’s strategic vision for Pakistan’s higher education system.
However, challenges remain. Some universities are slow to adapt to new systems, and institutions in areas with weak internet face technical hurdles. Sustained support from HEC, strategic investments, and a culture of embracing change will be critical to making Pakistan’s higher education digital transformation a lasting success.
For more on Pakistan’s major economic and infrastructure changes, read: Pakistan massive oil reserves: Game changer or dream?
