A delegation from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) visited the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, to conduct an accessibility audit of wheelchair facilities as part of HEC’s nationwide initiative to ensure compliance with the Accessibility Code of Pakistan and other relevant accessibility standards, in accordance with the directives of the Hon’ble Islamabad High Court (IHC). The delegation was led by Mr. Saleemullah Sohoo, Director General, Research & Academic Affairs (R&AA), along with HEC officials.
The delegation called on Mr. Talib Karim, President, IoBM, and discussed the University’s continued commitment to fostering an accessible, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment in line with HEC policies and national standards.
The HEC team was subsequently received by Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector, IoBM, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the University’s institutional governance, implementation of HEC policies, and initiatives to promote accessibility and inclusion across the campus.
As part of the visit, the delegation inspected key facilities, including classrooms, libraries, laboratories, restrooms, common areas, accessible routes, parking facilities, and signage. The team also engaged with relevant stakeholders to review IoBM’s accessibility measures and identify opportunities for further enhancement.
The HEC delegation met with Mr. Talib Karim, President, IoBM, to discuss the University’s commitment to accessibility and compliance with HEC policies. Also present was Dr. Javaid Laghari, former Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Chairman of the HEC National Task Force to Review the Performance and Effectiveness of Business Incubation Centers, who was visiting IoBM to review the Shahjehan S. Karim Incubation Center (SSKIC) and the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC).
The visit included a review of the University’s implementation of several key HEC policies, including the HEC Policy on Protection Against Harassment in Higher Education Institutions (2025), the HEC Policy on Drug and Tobacco Abuse in Higher Education Institutions (2021), and the HEC National Fee Refund Policy (2024).
During his presentation, Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro highlighted IoBM’s commitment to maintaining an inclusive, safe, and student-centered campus while ensuring full compliance with HEC regulations. He shared that the University has established dedicated committees to oversee accessibility, protection against harassment, tobacco control, and implementation of the National Fee Refund Policy. He explained that the Accessibility Committee has conducted comprehensive audits of wheelchair facilities through physical inspections, accessibility checklists, measurements, photographic documentation, and on-site observations to identify areas requiring improvement.
He further reaffirmed IoBM’s commitment to maintaining a No Smoking Campus through awareness campaigns, CCTV monitoring, security surveillance, disciplinary measures, and seminars conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF). He also highlighted the University’s implementation of the HEC National Fee Refund Policy to ensure transparency and facilitate student refunds in accordance with HEC guidelines. Concluding his presentation, Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro emphasized that these initiatives reflect IoBM’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, accessibility, regulatory compliance, and providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment for all members of the University community.
Present on the occasion were Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean, College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS); Lt. Col. (Retd.) Muhammad Mazhar Uddin Ahmed, Senior Manager, Procurement & Supply Chain/Security; Lt. Col. (Retd.) Muhammad Faraz, Senior Manager, Maintenance & Housekeeping; Dr. Shahid Amjad, Registrar; Ms. Rabia Sabri, Head of Student Academic Affairs; Dr. Sayed Fayaz Ahmed, Associate Professor and Head of Research, College of Economics and Social Development (CESD); Mr. Hassan Irfan, Acting HoDÂ Sports Department and Senior Coordinator Student Societies; Mr. Sartaj Hussain, Head of Security; Ms. Anjum Aziz, Proctor; and Mr. Najam Alam Siddiqui, Officer Accounts, Finance Department.
