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HEC Proposes Shortening LLB Duration to Four Years: A Step Towards Global Standards

January 11, 2025
written by Sidra Batool

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Bar Council, is considering a proposal to reduce the duration of the LLB program from five years to four. The suggestion was discussed in a meeting chaired by HEC Executive Director Prof. Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, with representatives from 44 universities, the Pakistan Bar Council, and the Directorate of Legal Education in attendance.

Aligning with International Standards

The initiative aims to align Pakistan’s legal education system with international standards and market demands. The current five-year program exceeds the length of many global LLB degrees, which has reportedly prompted students to pursue legal education abroad.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

Here are the Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

  • Agreement in Principle: The proposal to shorten the program was widely supported during the meeting.
  • Stakeholder Feedback: Minutes from the meeting will be shared with bar councils and universities for further input.
  • Revised Curriculum: The HEC has pledged to assist in developing a streamlined curriculum for the proposed four-year program.

Addressing Curriculum and Competitiveness

Stakeholders emphasized the importance of updating the curriculum to enhance the program’s practicality and competitiveness. They also discussed adopting semester systems, faculty training, and licensing reforms to improve the overall quality of legal education.

Broad-Based Support

The initiative has been praised for its inclusive approach, involving all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process. Representatives from educational institutions and legal bodies highlighted the need to modernize the program to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving legal market.

Next Steps

If a consensus is reached, a formal notification will be issued to implement the new program structure. The proposed changes are expected to improve local graduates’ career prospects and reduce the appeal of foreign legal education.