HEC flags fake universities and illegal campuses nationwide

The Higher Education Commission has published fresh lists identifying fake universities, unregistered campuses and unauthorized degree programmes across Pakistan, in what it described as an effort to protect students from academic fraud. The warning covers multiple regions and is intended to help families verify institutions before seeking admission.

According to the commission’s breakdown, Punjab accounts for the largest number of flagged entities, while Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and federally chartered areas also feature on the list. The release underscores the scale of unregulated academic activity that continues to pose risks to students pursuing recognised qualifications.

The HEC’s advisory is aimed at preventing students from enrolling in institutions that cannot legally award degrees or operate approved campuses. By publicly naming the entities, the regulator is seeking to curb deceptive admissions practices and limit the financial and academic harm caused by illegitimate operators.

The move also serves as a reminder that students should rely on official accreditation and recognition checks before committing to any programme. The commission’s latest action places renewed pressure on unauthorized institutions while reinforcing the message that degree legitimacy remains a central safeguard in Pakistan’s higher education system.