In an official statement, HEC cautioned students to exercise caution and verify the credentials of any institution before enrolling in degree programs. The commission stressed that only chartered universities and recognized campuses should be trusted for quality education. To assist students in making informed decisions about their academic pursuits, HEC has made the complete list of legitimate institutions readily accessible on its website.
Punjab, being the largest province in Pakistan, appears to have a significant concentration of these illegal institutions. The list issued by HEC includes 85 unregistered educational establishments across various cities, such as Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. Some of the flagged institutions are the American International University in Lahore, Rawal Open International University of Alternative Medicine Pakistan, and Lahore University of Computer Excellence.
Apart from Punjab, other regions in Pakistan have also been affected by unauthorized educational institutions. Sindh, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have 37, 3, and 11 such institutions, respectively. Some notable names include the Elites University in Karachi, the Institute of Advanced Studies of Information Technology in Dadyal (AJK), and Abu Ali Seena University in Peshawar.
HEC’s efforts to expose and warn against illegal institutions play a crucial role in safeguarding students’ interests and maintaining the standard of education in Pakistan. Aspiring students are strongly advised to refer to the official list of recognized institutions and verify the accreditation status of any institution before enrolling to ensure a legitimate and valuable educational experience.
List of Illegal and Unrecognized Institutions – Summary
Below is a summary of the unauthorized institutions in each province:
Punjab:All Affiliated Colleges with Global Institute, LahoreAll Heritage International Colleges (HICs) affiliated with any Private University across Punjab imparting undergraduate and postgraduate educationThe Open International University for Complimentary Medicines, (Sri Lanka) and its operations anywhere in Pakistan including Karachi and Islamabad officesAmerican International University, 7 up Chowk, Gulberg III, LahoreSoftlogix College of Information Technology, LahoreTIU Institute, 29-C/1, Gulberg III, Ghalib Road, LahorePakistan College of Science & Technology, 447-D, Peoples Colony, FaisalabadAIMS Institute of Management Sciences, AIMS House 11 A, Opposite Pizza Hut, Gulgasht, MultanNational Textile College of Professional Sciences & IT, 62-C/1 M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg 3, LahoreStandard Institute of Emerging Technologies & Sciences (SIETS), 225-A-new Muslim Town, LahoreAli Garh Institute of Management Science (AIMS), 3-D Model Town, Club Road, Rahim Yar KhanMichigan International College, LahoreAmerican International College, Faisal Town, Lahore, PunjabAmerican University of London, National College of Business Management and Technology, 365-M, Model Town, LahoreRawal Open International University of Alternative Medicine Pakistan, Gujar Khan, RawalpindiINFOVISION Institute of Management and Information Technology, LahoreIslamia College of Commerce, Kot Ada, MuzaffargarhOpstech College of Computer Science, LahoreCIT College, Majeed Plaza, Bank Road, Saddar, RawalpindiUniversity College of Commerce, Peoples Colony, KhanewalSindh:All other branches/campuses/affiliated colleges/franchises of Preston Institute of Management Science and Technology, Karachi except its Karachi campusThe Elites University, Sector 11-A, Hashim Town Sindh Karachi Housing Society, Scheme No 33, KarachiAmerican School of International Business C-7/A, Daman e Koh, KDA Officers, Cooperation Housing Society Opposite PNS, Bahadur Stadium Road, KarachiAmerican World University International 22-A, Tipu Sultan Road, KarachiGlamshire University, KarachiAzad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK):All other campuses/affiliated colleges of Al-Khair University AJK except BhimberInstitute of Advance Studies of Information Technology, DadyalPak Kashmir Institute of IT, MirpurKhyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):Agha Computers, Al-Noor Esquire, PICIC Bank Building, Mansehra Road, AbbottabadIslamabad Computer Institute, College Road Jaba, DargaiFlash Institute of Computer Studies, Sheikh Jee Plaza, Industrial Estate, Jamrud Road, PeshawarSquare Soft Systems, Kashmeery Bazar, Manzoor Market, ShinkiariCollege of Computer & Information Technology, Matta, SwatGlobal College of Information Technology, College Road, Thana, SwatGlobal College of Information Technology, Sohary, Buner, SwatAryan University, Jahangir Road, PeshawarNational College of Computer Sciences, BannuImam Ghazali University, PeshawarAbu Ali Seena University, PeshawarFederal Capital (Islamabad):Islamabad Law College, IslamabadHunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts, Islamabad
By sharing this information, HEC aims to empower students to make informed choices and pursue legitimate and valuable educational opportunities in Pakistan.