The Higher Education Commission (HEC) was founded in 2002, replacing the University Grants Commission established in 1974. HEC is a statutory body formed by the government of Pakistan, and tasked with the responsibility of funding, overseeing, regulating and accrediting the higher education institutions in the country. Major Discussion Points: • What has been the role of HEC for higher education in Pakistan? • What are the issues surrounding HEC presently? • What ideally should be HEC’s role in Pakistan’s higher education? • How should the government facilitate the HEC? • DO WE EVEN NEED A HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION?