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, Lahore
- All Heritage International Colleges (HICs) affiliated with any Private University across Punjab imparting undergraduate and postgraduate education
- The Open International University for Complimentary Medicines, (Sri Lanka) and its operations anywhere in Pakistan including Karachi and Islamabad offices
- American International University, 7 up Chowk, Gulberg III, Lahore
- Softlogix College of Information Technology, Lahore
- TIU Institute, 29-C/1, Gulberg III, Ghalib Road, Lahore
- Pakistan College of Science & Technology, 447-D, Peoples Colony, Faisalabad
- AIMS Institute of Management Sciences, AIMS House 11 A, Opposite Pizza Hut, Gulgasht, Multan
- National Textile College of Professional Sciences & IT, 62-C/1 M.M. Alam Road, Gulberg 3, Lahore
- Standard Institute of Emerging Technologies & Sciences (SIETS), 225-A-new Muslim Town, Lahore
- Ali Garh Institute of Management Science (AIMS), 3-D Model Town, Club Road, Rahim Yar Khan
- Michigan International College, Lahore
- American International College, Faisal Town, Lahore, Punjab
- American University of London, National College of Business Management and Technology, 365-M, Model Town, Lahore
- Rawal Open International University of Alternative Medicine Pakistan, Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi
- INFOVISION Institute of Management and Information Technology, Lahore
- Islamia College of Commerce, Kot Ada, Muzaffargarh
- Opstech College of Computer Science, Lahore
- CIT College, Majeed Plaza, Bank Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi
- University College of Commerce, Peoples Colony, Khanewal
Sindh:
- All other branches/campuses/affiliated colleges/franchises of Preston Institute of Management Science and Technology, Karachi except its Karachi campus
- The Elites University, Sector 11-A, Hashim Town Sindh Karachi Housing Society, Scheme No 33, Karachi
- American School of International Business C-7/A, Daman e Koh, KDA Officers, Cooperation Housing Society Opposite PNS, Bahadur Stadium Road, Karachi
- American World University International 22-A, Tipu Sultan Road, Karachi
- Glamshire University, Karachi
Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK):
- All other campuses/affiliated colleges of Al-Khair University AJK except Bhimber
- Institute of Advance Studies of Information Technology, Dadyal
- Pak Kashmir Institute of IT, Mirpur
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP):
- Agha Computers, Al-Noor Esquire, PICIC Bank Building, Mansehra Road, Abbottabad
- Islamabad Computer Institute, College Road Jaba, Dargai
- Flash Institute of Computer Studies, Sheikh Jee Plaza, Industrial Estate, Jamrud Road, Peshawar
- Square Soft Systems, Kashmeery Bazar, Manzoor Market, Shinkiari
- College of Computer & Information Technology, Matta, Swat
- Global College of Information Technology, College Road, Thana, Swat
- Global College of Information Technology, Sohary, Buner, Swat
- Aryan University, Jahangir Road, Peshawar
- National College of Computer Sciences, Bannu
- Imam Ghazali University, Peshawar
- Abu Ali Seena University, Peshawar
Federal Capital (Islamabad):
- Islamabad Law College, Islamabad
- Hunerkada 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.
