The Programme Review for Effectiveness and Enhancement (PREE) is a comprehensive quality assurance mechanism developed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of Pakistan in collaboration with QAA-UK. As part of the revamped Quality Assurance Framework (PSG-2023), PREE aims to evaluate and enhance the quality of academic programs at higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. It ensures that these programs meet both international benchmarks and local contextual needs, serving dual purposes: providing accountability to stakeholders (students, employers, and the public) and fostering continuous improvement in higher education.

PREE is designed to assess programs at the graduate level (Levels 7 and 8 of the National Qualifications Framework of Pakistan) and operates through structured internal and external review processes. It promotes a “quality culture” within HEIs by integrating self-assessment and external evaluation, focusing on program effectiveness, student learning experiences, and academic standards. Higher Education Commission

PREE is implemented in two distinct but complementary forms, each targeting a specific aspect of quality assurance at the program level:

• PREE for Internal Quality Assurance (PREE for IQA): This is a self-assessment process conducted by the academic program within an HEI. It encourages programs to evaluate their performance against predefined PREE standards, fostering a culture of self-reflection and improvement. The process involves preparing a Self-Assessment Report (SAR), with steps including evidence collection, action planning, and follow-up monitoring. Typically conducted annually or as per the assessment cycle determined by the institution.
• PREE for External Quality Assurance (PREE for EQA): This is an external review process managed by QAA, involving a panel of peer reviewers who assess graduate-level programs (Levels 7-8) against PREE Standards and Accreditation Council criteria. It includes submission of a program self-assessment document, a student submission, desk-based analysis by the review panel, an on-site visit, and a final report with outcomes such as “approved,” “approved with conditions,” or “not approved.”

The PREE Standards are the core criteria against which programs are assessed under both PREE for IQA and PREE for EQA. These standards, outlined in the Quality Assurance Framework, ensure consistency and quality across academic programs. The eight PREE Standards are:

1. Programme mission, objectives, and outcomes
2. Curriculum design and organization
3. Subject-specific facilities
4. Teaching faculty/staff
5. Institutional policies and process control
6. Internationalization of higher education and global engagement
7. Institutional support and facilities
8. Institutional general requirements

Assessment of different academic programs

QEC successfully conducted a comprehensive assessment as per PREE Standards from the May to June 2025 of its different programs of Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Computing, Pharmacy, Faculty of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Chemical & Biological Sciences, Faculty of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Arts & Languages and Faculty of Islamic Studies & Arabic.

The assessment was carried out by Program Assessment Teams (PAT) approved. The PAT teams consisted of concerned Deans, Director QEC/Deputy Director QEC and Chairperson department concerned. Deans faculty concerned presided the assessment activity in their respective faculty. The assessment aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the academic programs, identifying areas of strength & weakness, and providing recommendations for improvement. The Director QEC, Prof. Dr. Asadullah Madni, commended the respective Deans & Chairpersons for their cooperation in making the assessment process more effective.

For further details, click the following link to download the PREE standard