he concept of time-scale promotion is rooted in the notion of rewarding people for their length of service rather than merit or achievement. It operates under the assumption that longevity in a position automatically warrants advancement.

This practice often serves as a form of institutionalised progression within organisations, aiming to provide employees with a sense of stability and career advancement opportunities. It also promotes loyalty to the organisation.

However, the current discourse surrounding time-scale promotion is perplexing to various quarters. The scepticism arises from a divergence between the traditional approach to time-based progression and the contemporary trends in international academia.

In today’s global academic landscape, there is a growing emphasis on meritocracy, where individuals are recognised and promoted based on their contribution, qualifications and achievements rather than on the sole basis of seniority. This shift reflects a broader movement towards fostering innovation, excellence and competitiveness in academic institutions.

Universities are meant to foster production of knowledge, not to rehash old ideas through hierarchical dissemination of education. Unfortunately, the higher education sector in Pakistan still does not focus on the production of knowledge. No wonder ideas like time-scale promotion without academic advancement and publications are still relevant.

The advocacy for time-scale promotions is evidenec of a disconnection with the evolving paradigms of academic excellence and performance evaluation in international academia. Critics argue that clinging to outdated promotion practices can hinder organisational agility, stifle innovation and compromise the overall quality of academic institutions.

Since the inception of the Higher Education Commission in 2002, Pakistani universities have undergone a transformation in their faculty promotion criteria, pivoting towards a model that prioritises academic credentials, such as a PhD and publications in esteemed journals. This shift has been instrumental in redirecting the focus of academia in Pakistan towards research.

However, while this move has spurred a surge in academic output, it has not been without its drawbacks. The emphasis on meeting specific academic benchmarks for promotion has led to a proliferation of substandard MPhil and PhD degrees, as well as instances of dubious research publications.

This phenomenon reflects the inherent limitations and challenges associated with quantitatively measuring academic excellence based on prescribed criteria. This, however, cannot be used as an argument for reversing the progress and going back to an automatic promotion criterion whereby someone without a PhD or a PhD without regular publications can become a professor and be installed in leading academic positions in the university.

The entrenched culture of time-scale promotion, where individuals are rewarded for the duration of their service rather than the quality of their contributions has had detrimental effects on the recruitment and retention of young, talented individuals in academia.

Talented youngsters, often driven by aspirations of innovation and academic excellence, are discouraged from pursuing careers in academia due to the perceived lack of opportunities for advancement based on merit. They are deterred by the prospect of having to navigate a system that prioritises seniority over competence, stifling their potential for growth and professional development.

In this context, the adverse impact of time-scale promotion extends beyond its implications for individual career progression. It undermines the vitality and dynamism of academic institutions by dissuading the infusion of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that are essential for driving progress and advancement in the field of research and education.

The Higher Education Commission’s strategic focus on research has acted as a catalyst, effectively dismantling the inertia that had long plagued higher education in Pakistan. By prioritising research endeavour and incentivising scholarly pursuits, the HEC has stimulated a culture of academic inquiry and innovation in the universities.

Rather than undoing the criteria, it should be made stricter and more rigorous. Several universities have introduced their own promotion and hiring criteria in addition to the HEC’s existing minimum criteria so that the recruitment and promotion process can be made more transparent and brought in sync with prevailing international academic standards.

A pivotal component of HEC’s efforts has been the introduction of various scholarship programmes aimed at facilitating international exposure for Pakistani academics. These initiatives have not only broadened the horizons of scholars but have also significantly contributed to the enhancement of academic credentials and expertise. The sponsorship of PhD programmes at foreign universities by the HEC has particularly been instrumental in elevating the academic standards and global recognition of Pakistani scholars.

Furthermore, American funding initiatives, notably the Fulbright scholarship programmes, have served as a cornerstone in the revitalisation of the Pakistani higher education landscape. These programmes have provided invaluable opportunities for academic exchange, collaborative research and professional development, thereby fostering a vibrant intellectual ecosystem in Pakistani universities.

In the light of these transformative contributions, the proposition of time-scale promotion appears regressive and counterproductive. Advocating for a promotion system based solely on tenure neglects the fundamental principles of meritocracy and undermines the strides made towards aligning Pakistani academia with international standards. Rather than rewarding individuals based on mere longevity, the emphasis should be placed on fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and scholarly achievement.

By prioritising merit-based promotion systems and continuing to invest in initiatives aimed at enhancing research capabilities and international collaboration, Pakistani higher education can consolidate its position in the global academic community. It is imperative that stakeholders recognise the value of nurturing talent and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence, thereby ensuring sustained progress and advancement in the realm of higher education.

Pakistani universities still face various challenges. However, they have begun to find their footing, attracting young professionals seeking viable careers in academia. In this competitive environment, where publishing is essential for survival, the concept of time-scale promotion seems obsolete and counterproductive.

Emphasis should be placed on continuous evaluation and recognition of achievements to foster a dynamic and competitive academic environment. Pakistani universities cannot survive in isolation from the rest of the world. Innovation, research and adapting to new challenges are pivotal for the survival of Pakistani education institutions. Harking back to past practices will not be a service to the education sector in Pakistan.

The writer is professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.