ISLAMABAD, FEB 27 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has concluded Distinguished National Professor (DNP) 2025 cycle and approved the conferment of the prestigious Distinguished National Professor (DNP) title upon Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees, Centre of Excellence for Microbiology, University of the Punjab. 

Finalised in accordance with the HEC Framework for Distinguished National Professor (2024), the DNP title is one of the highest academic distinctions awarded by HEC in recognition of eminent scholars who make significant contributions to research, scholarship, and higher education in Pakistan. It reflects the Commission’s commitment to promoting merit, excellence, and impactful scholarship across the country’s higher education sector. 

The HEC DNP Committee received different nominations for the 2025 cycle. The DNP Selection Committee, which is chaired by Executive Director HEC, conducted a comprehensive review of the candidates’ academic credentials, research impact, scholarly publications, leadership contributions, and national and international recognition. Based on its evaluation and recommendations, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees has been selected for conferment of the DNP title under the field of ‘Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics’.

Under the DNP framework, the title is retained for life, while the associated honorarium is admissible for three years from the date of conferment or until superannuation, whichever is earlier. Through this initiative, HEC continues to acknowledge and support distinguished scholars who contribute to advancing Pakistan’s research, innovation, and higher education ecosystem.