He submitted his resignation letter to the Ministry of Education on Monday morning, addressing it to the secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division.

Officials from the ministry and the commission confirmed the development to local media. In his letter, Faiz said ongoing physical illness had made it difficult for him to continue carrying out his responsibilities and requested that the necessary steps be taken to relieve him from the post.

Faiz was appointed chairman of the UGC on 5 September 2024 for a four-year term following the political changes after the August 5 uprising. However, more than two years of his tenure were still remaining.

Sources said there had been growing speculation in recent weeks about the possibility of his removal.