Higher education is very essential for active participation in the knowledge based societies which in turn accelerates economic growth. Quality education is a pre-requisite to gain access to knowledge, which guarantees economic development. This makes the condition of higher education in Pakistan a very critical issue. Recognizing this, the Higher Education Commission has committed itself quality assurance and enhancement of standards in higher education. In order to achieve world class standards, quality assessment and continuous improvement are the necessary ingredients. This includes the accreditation of academic programs and quality assessment of the university/ institution. The Quality Assessment in University is primarily concerned with the institutional issues rather than program issues. Therefore, HEC has developed procedures and guidelines for quality assurance and its enhancement.

Quality Assurance is the planned and systematic review process of an institution or program to determine whether or not acceptable standards of education, scholarship and infrastructure are being met, maintained and enhanced. For an efficient higher quality of education system internationally acceptable systematic and well established quality culture are vital for the economic growth in developing countries such as Pakistan. A sustainable quality assurance program enhances public/ employer’s confidence and hence creates employment opportunities. It improves the education and training of future employees, harnesses future leaders, facilitates the learning environment and enriches the academic and intellectual landscape of the university.

The development of Quality Assurance is a continuous process and therefore, continuity of strategies, actions and efforts is a prerequisite for quality in higher education. A Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) was established in 2004 under umbrella of the HEC as a specialized body to introduce and encourage the development of a quality culture in higher education. As a special feature of Quality Assurance program of the Pakistan higher education system, HEC established Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) in all public sector universities in a phased manner.

At National Defence University, Islamabad (NDU), QEC has been established as a focal point for quality assurance in order to improve and promote the quality culture in higher education. Capacity building of academia for quality assurance at NDU is going to be one of the key functions of QEC.