Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman PHEC Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Grace HEC Researchers’ Award Ceremony at CEMB-PU

June 15, 2026: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, organized a prestigious award ceremony at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, to recognize the outstanding achievements of researchers and scientists from across the country.

The ceremony was graced by Provincial Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, along with Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman HEC; Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC); Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik, President Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS); and Vice Chancellors representing universities from across Pakistan.

Certificates were awarded to five Fellows of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, two PAS Gold Medalists, 243 researchers included in the world’s Top 2% Scientists list, and 43 recipients of HEC-funded National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) projects.

Among the awardees, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman, Director CEMB, received a certificate in recognition of his election as a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences. Dr. Muhammad Idrees was honored as a Distinguished National Professor, while Prof. Dr. Kausar Malik, Dr. Ayesha Latif, and Dr. Saba Tasneem were recognized for securing competitive NRPU research projects.

During the event, Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat engaged in an interactive discussion with researchers and scientists, listening to their perspectives on strengthening Pakistan’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan appreciated the contributions of Pakistani researchers and emphasized the need for stronger policies and sustained support to further advance research and innovation in the country.

Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar highlighted that robust mechanisms and resources are already available to facilitate research and academic excellence, stressing that universities should effectively implement these systems to maximize their impact. He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to supporting researchers and promoting quality research across Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdulla Malik commended the efforts of HEC and PHEC in creating opportunities for young researchers and fostering a vibrant scientific community.

Addressing the gathering, Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that HEC and PHEC have played a vital role in providing resources and opportunities for higher education and research. He emphasized that university leadership must ensure the effective utilization of available funds to promote quality education and impactful applied research. He also appreciated the initiatives aimed at strengthening outreach centers and industry-academia linkages, noting that such collaborations are essential for translating research into societal and economic benefits.

The Provincial Minister also appreciated the efforts of the HEC and CEMB for successfully hosting the national event and bringing together leading scientists, researchers, and academic leaders from across Pakistan on a common platform to celebrate research excellence.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from policymakers, university leaders, and researchers to further strengthen Pakistan’s research, innovation, and higher education landscape.