The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan is an autonomous regulatory and funding body responsible for overseeing and promoting higher education in Pakistan. It was established in 2002 under the Higher Education Commission Ordinance and operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.

The key functions and responsibilities of the Higher Education Commission include:

1. Quality Assurance: HEC is responsible for ensuring the quality and standardization of higher education institutions and programs across Pakistan. It develops and implements policies and guidelines to enhance the quality of education, including curriculum development, accreditation, and evaluation.
2. Funding and Scholarships: HEC allocates funds and grants to universities and research institutions for infrastructure development, research projects, faculty development, and other initiatives. It also offers various scholarship programs, both within Pakistan and for international study, to support students pursuing higher education.
3. Curriculum Development: HEC plays a role in the development and revision of curricula to align them with international standards and industry requirements. It promotes research and innovation in curriculum design and encourages universities to offer relevant and market-oriented programs.
4. Research and Development: HEC promotes research culture and supports research initiatives across disciplines. It provides funding for research projects, establishes research centers, and encourages collaborations between universities, industries, and international partners.
5. Facilitating Collaboration: HEC facilitates partnerships and collaborations between Pakistani universities and international institutions. It encourages faculty and student exchanges, joint research programs, and other initiatives to promote knowledge sharing and internationalization of higher education.
6. Accreditation and Recognition: HEC is responsible for accrediting higher education institutions and programs in Pakistan. It evaluates universities and degree programs to ensure they meet established quality standards.
7. Policy Development: HEC formulates policies and guidelines for the development and growth of higher education in Pakistan. It takes into account national and international trends and best practices to shape the future direction of higher education in the country.

The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan plays a vital role in promoting and regulating higher education institutions to enhance the quality, relevance, and competitiveness of Pakistani education at both national and international levels.