Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission Pakistan has imposed an immediate ban on the establishment and operation of additional university sub-campuses across the country, including Sindh.

According to official details, the ban specifically targets sub-campuses at the tehsil level. Universities have been strictly directed not to initiate land acquisition, construction, admissions, teaching activities, or any operational steps for such campuses.

The directive was issued by HEC Chairman Niaz Ahmad through a formal letter sent to vice chancellors and rectors of public sector universities nationwide. The letter, dated April 15, states that the decision has been taken under the legal authority of the HEC Ordinance 2002.

The commission said the move follows a detailed review of academic and administrative standards at existing sub-campuses. Inspections revealed that many tehsil-level campuses suffer from weak infrastructure and lack sustainable academic foundations. These campuses often face difficulties in hiring and retaining PhD-qualified faculty, while student enrollment and program effectiveness remain limited.

HEC also highlighted the absence of essential facilities such as laboratories, technical resources, residential options, and overall academic support required for quality higher education.

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The letter clearly states that no university or degree-awarding institution should attempt to establish, advertise, or operate new sub-campuses without prior approval. HEC will not grant NOCs, accreditation, or degree verification for such campuses.

Additionally, all pending applications related to sub-campuses have been suspended. Non-compliance may lead to strict regulatory action, including withdrawal of approvals and other legal measures.