ISLAMABAD: For the first time the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) has got a chairperson following a competitive process.

According to a notification issued by education ministry on Wednesday, Ms Zia Batool has been appointed the chairperson with immediate effect for a period of three years (MP-II Scale).

Currently, she is serving as Punjab Higher Education director general and sources said she would take charge of her new assignment in the next few days.

Last month, the education ministry interviewed candidates following an advertisement, and had recommended three names for the post of Peira chairperson. Ms Zia Batool was on top of the list.

After approval by the federal government, the education ministry notified her appointment.

At present, the authority is being run on ad hoc basis.

Peira, which regulates private educational institutions of the capital, has been without a permanent head for many years.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2019