TheHigher Education Commission (HEC) issued a notification on Tuesday, asking students to ensure that the university has a valid no-objection certificate (NOC) tooffer certain programmes before taking admission.
The programmes includeMPhil, MS, equivalent and PhD, said the HEC, while issuing a list of universities that were issued NOCs.
According to official sources, the HEC has made it mandatory since November 7, 2013, for all universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) to obtain a NOCbefore launching MS/MPhil or equivalent and a PhD programme.
The commission also said that the affiliated colleges or institutions arenot allowed to offer the above-mentioned programmes.
"Parents and all prospective students are advised not to take admissions in PhD and MPhil/MS programmes offered by the universities/degree awarding institutions or sub-campuses operating without prior NOC from the HEC as well as those offered and taught at any affiliated institution/college," the statement added.
The higher education authority has also issued a warning that it will not recognise or attest to the degrees awarded in violation of its guidelines.