The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially invited applications for the approval and accreditation of Pakistan Research Journals, marking an important step in strengthening the country’s academic publishing landscape. The announcement, made on Saturday, encourages registered institutions to submit their journals for evaluation as part of HEC’s ongoing efforts to enhance research quality and credibility.
The HEC regularly accredits national research journals to ensure they meet international publishing standards, promote ethical academic practices and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s research output. By inviting new applications, the Commission aims to broaden the pool of recognized journals, support emerging scholarly platforms and encourage institutions to elevate their academic publishing standards.
This development comes shortly after a significant leadership transition within the organization. On November 28, 2025, renowned academician and public health expert Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq assumed office as the new Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission. His appointment brings with it considerable experience, fresh vision and renewed emphasis on research excellence.
Dr Zia Ul Haq, who has served as Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University in Peshawar for the past six years, has built a distinguished record in both academic administration and scientific contributions. His leadership in medical education and public health policy has earned him national and international recognition.
Notably, Dr Zia Ul Haq has been ranked among the world’s top 2 percent scientists, according to the latest Stanford University global ranking. The ranking identifies influential researchers across all fields, using standardized citation indicators and verified data to assess long-term impact, publication trends and global relevance. His inclusion in this elite group highlights his scholarly influence and reinforces confidence in his leadership of the HEC.
Under his tenure, experts expect a stronger focus on research development, improved academic governance and enhanced support for Pakistani researchers. The call for journal accreditation aligns with these goals, offering institutions a structured pathway to achieve national and international recognition for their publications.
By ensuring rigorous evaluation and transparent criteria, the HEC aims to uplift the quality of research across the country. Accredited journals benefit from increased visibility, higher standards and greater trust from academia, while researchers gain credible platforms to publish their work.
The latest call for applications marks an encouraging opportunity for universities, research centers and academic bodies to participate in raising the overall standard of scholarly publishing in Pakistan.