The HEC has introduced Pakistan’s first draft policy on the use of artificial intelligence in higher education. The proposed framework has been shared with universities across the country for feedback and future implementation. The policy aims to promote the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI in teaching, learning, and research instead of placing a complete ban on the technology.
According to the draft, universities will be required to develop their own institutional AI policies based on the guidelines provided by the HEC. Each institution must clearly define where AI tools can be used, where they are restricted, and the conditions that apply. The commission believes clear policies will help educational institutions benefit from AI while protecting academic integrity.
One of the key features of the proposed policy is the restriction on using AI to produce academic work that is submitted as original. Students will not be allowed to use AI to generate assignments, dissertations, or theses and present them as their own work. However, AI can still be used in approved ways if its use is openly declared.
The HEC has made disclosure mandatory whenever AI is used in academic work. Students and researchers must identify the AI tool they used and explain how it contributed to their work. This requirement is intended to improve transparency and maintain trust in academic research.
The draft also states that AI cannot be credited as the author of any research paper or academic publication. Human researchers will remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and reliability of all published work.
To prepare students for the growing role of artificial intelligence, the policy directs universities to include AI literacy in their academic programs within the next two years. The goal is to help students understand both the advantages and limitations of AI technologies.
Universities will also be required to organize annual AI training sessions for faculty members, students, and administrative staff. These training programs will focus on responsible AI use, ethical concerns, and best practices. In addition, every course outline must explain the acceptable use of AI before classes begin so students understand the rules from the start.
The framework encourages teachers to use AI as a productivity tool. Faculty members may use AI for tutoring, preparing quizzes, writing support, research assistance, and course design. Researchers will also be allowed to use AI for literature reviews, translation, language improvement, developing research questions, and checking references.
Despite these permissions, the policy makes it clear that all AI-generated facts, references, and findings must be verified by humans. Researchers will remain accountable for confirming the accuracy of any AI-assisted content before submitting or publishing their work.
The draft policy also classifies fabricated references, fake research, invented data, and AI-generated false results as serious academic misconduct. It warns that using AI to hide plagiarism, rewrite copied material to avoid detection, or cheat during examinations may lead to disciplinary action.
At the same time, the policy protects students from unfair punishment. It states that no student can be penalized solely on the basis of an AI detection report. Universities must properly review each case before taking disciplinary action.
To ensure effective implementation, the HEC has instructed universities to establish dedicated AI committees. These committees will monitor compliance, address complaints, oversee training activities, and submit annual reports to the commission. The reports will include details about AI usage, policy implementation, violations, and future developments.
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The proposed framework marks Pakistan’s first comprehensive effort to regulate AI in higher education. By encouraging responsible use instead of banning the technology, the HEC hopes to help universities adopt artificial intelligence while maintaining high academic and ethical standards.
