The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has recently announced that it will not recognize the degrees of students enrolled at the Metropolitan University in Karachi after August 5, 2022. Additionally, the commission has halted admissions to the university due to non-compliance with HEC guidelines and gross violations of regulations.
According to the HEC statement, the Metropolitan University, Karachi is a private-sector institution that is chartered by the Government of Sindh and recognized by the Higher Education Commission. However, the university was only allowed to offer four undergraduate degree programs, namely BBA, BS-Commerce, BS-Education, and BS-Islamic Studies, with 40 seats per semester through its principal seat located in Malir Cantt, Karachi.
The HEC clarified that it would only recognize and attest to the degrees of students enrolled in these degree programs as per the data shared by the university, subject to the fulfillment of all legal and formal requirements. However, the commission announced that it would not recognize the degrees of students enrolled in Metropolitan University, Karachi after the cutoff date of August 5, 2022, due to the university’s non-compliance with HEC guidelines, gross violations, and operation through unauthorized campuses and study centers.
The statement further mentioned that the unapproved campuses of the university are located in Sukkur, Larkana, Quetta, Rawalakot, Islamabad, and Chakwal. The HEC warned the students and the public to refrain from seeking admission to the university and advised them to only apply to institutions recognized by the Higher Education Commission.
Regarding the suspension of admissions to Isra University from Fall 2022, the HEC did not disclose the reasons for the ongoing crisis, but it confirmed that admissions would remain suspended until its resolution.
The Higher Education Commission has consistently advised students to pursue admission only at universities recognized by the commission to avoid complications in their academic and professional careers. The commission is responsible for regulating the standards of higher education in Pakistan and ensuring that the universities follow the necessary guidelines to maintain the quality of education.
The decision by the HEC to revoke the recognition of Metropolitan University’s degrees will have far-reaching consequences for its students. The non-recognition of their degrees by the HEC could prevent them from pursuing higher education, applying for jobs, or working in specific fields that require HEC recognition.
This decision by the HEC has highlighted the importance of universities adhering to the necessary guidelines and regulations to ensure the quality of education and the future of their students.
