ISLAMABAD, JUN 30 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, has successfully concluded the HEC Best University Teacher Award (BUTA) 2025 Cycle, recognizing seven outstanding faculty members across various categories from universities throughout Pakistan for their excellence in teaching, research, and academic contributions. The award recipients were selected following a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by HEC.
The HEC Best University Teacher Award (2025) Ceremony was organized at HEC Secretariat on Tuesday, where the awards were formally conferred upon the recipients. The ceremony highlighted the commitment of HEC to promoting academic excellence, recognizing the valuable role of university teachers, and strengthening the higher education sector in Pakistan.
Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar was the chief guest on the occasion. Executive Director HEC, Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Adviser (Research and Innovation) HEC, Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, Vice Chancellors of Air University and Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Pro-Rector of Bahria University Islamabad, Members of the Selection Committees and senior HEC management attended the ceremony. The winners of Best University Teacher Awards were given cash prizes of Rs. 1 million each and certificates.
The Awards were conferred on Dr. Nadia Nawaz from COMSATS University Islamabad, Wah Campus in Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction category, Dr. Rashid Jalil from University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore in Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics category, Dr. Ifran Bashir University of Management & Technology, Lahore in Education Category, Dr. Abrar Ashraf Ali from King Edwards Medical University, Lahore in Health & Welfare category, Dr. Owais Mufti from Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar in Business, Administration & Law category, Dr. Ahsan Ul Haq from Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Social Sciences, Journalism and Information category, Dr. Rao Zahid from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary category for year 2025.
While addressing the ceremony, Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar congratulated the award recipients. He emphasized that the award recognizes excellence in the teaching profession, dedication to knowledge dissemination, meaningful engagement with students, and the development of skills necessary to prepare youth for future challenges and opportunities.
He further underscored that teachers must serve as role models for their students by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to lifelong learning. He called upon universities and faculty members to focus on producing knowledge, skills, and innovations that equip youth for the future and generate meaningful, real-world impact.
The Chairman also appreciated the efforts of the reviewers and the HEC team for conducting a rigorous and transparent evaluation process to identify and recognize the country’s best teachers.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul Haq highlighted the significance of the teaching profession and paid tribute to the invaluable contributions of educators in shaping the future of the nation. He remarked that teaching is among the most respected and noble professions, as teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing generations and building a knowledgeable society.
He further noted that one of the greatest rewards for teachers is the respect and esteem they earn within society through their dedication, integrity, and commitment to academic excellence.
Dr. Zia also shared that HEC initiated the Best University Teacher Award in 2003, under which universities across the country nominate and recognize their best teachers annually, thereby promoting excellence in teaching and learning within the higher education sector.
