From health to education – Nadeem Mehboob’s legacy of service, innovation

ISLAMABAD
Dr. Fasihuddin Ashraf, a senior police officer (PSP), President of the Pakistan Society of Criminology, and Founder of the Research Library Peshawar, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Nadeem Mehboob, Federal Secretary for Education and Acting Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Government of Pakistan. The meeting revolved around critical issues of higher education in Pakistan and new initiatives aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of educational institutions. Dr. Fasihuddin highlighted the urgent need for long-term reforms in academia, while lauding the creative and reform-oriented vision of Mr. Mehboob in promoting the discipline of science and technology as well as empirical research in social sciences.
Nadeem Mehboob, recognized as one of the most competent, honest, and committed civil servants in Pakistan, has a distinguished track record in governance. During his previous tenure as Federal Secretary Health, he rendered outstanding services to the Pakistani nation, particularly during the crucial years of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Polio Eradication Campaign. His remarkable leadership in steering the successful polio vaccination drive not only safeguarded Pakistan’s children but also earned him international acclaim and recognition.
Currently, in his role as Federal Secretary Education, Mr. Nadeem Mehboob is introducing bold reforms in the sector. His initiatives include:
Scientific innovations in pedagogy,
Modern teaching methodologies,
Establishment of a fair and merit-based evaluation system, and
Promoting the conduct and publication of original research in Pakistani universities.
The meeting concluded with Mr. Nadeem Mehboob appreciating the contributions of Dr. Fasihuddin Ashraf—both in the fields of Urdu literature and criminology, as well as his tireless efforts in promoting book culture and intellectual development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This interaction symbolized a fruitful dialogue between two leading figures, one representing the intellectual pursuit of criminology and literature, and the other steering the national agenda of educational reforms in Pakistan.