Save the HEC April 24, 2021 The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, promulgated by the government last month, has severely dented the pro-youth and pro-reforms credentials of the ruling PTI. The PTI emerged as the largest parliamentary party in the 2018 elections largely on the back of sentiment among the urban middle classes, particularly the youth, against perceived corruption, misuse of power and inefficient public service delivery. The electorate expected the government to ensure meritocracy, transparency and rule of law through systematic reforms to improve governance. The hope was that with a new leadership, the vision of a drastic ‘change’ could be realized.