The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 has brought attention to the evolving landscape of higher education in Pakistan, with the country boasting 47 ranked universities, placing it 14th in the world for representation alongside Taiwan. This year’s rankings reflect a 9.7% increase in the number of ranked institutions globally, the most significant growth in five years. Amidst this expanding global academic community, Pakistan’s position raises questions about the standards of its universities and the government’s commitment to enhancing higher education and research.
Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) continues to be the highest-ranked university in Pakistan, maintaining its position in the 401-500 band. This stability in ranking highlights the university’s consistent performance across key metrics, despite challenges faced by the broader educational system in the country. QAU has built a reputation for quality research, distinguished faculty, and a robust academic curriculum, enabling it to compete with institutions on an international scale. Other notable universities include the University of the Punjab, University of Karachi, and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), which have also made strides in global rankings, yet still lag behind their peers in terms of overall performance and visibility.
The global rankings are determined by a range of criteria that assess the quality of education, research output, citation impact, international outlook, and industry income. Universities that excel in these areas typically benefit from strong research funding, an international student body, and robust partnerships with industries and academic institutions around the world. For Pakistani universities, achieving higher rankings is often hampered by several systemic challenges.
One of the primary obstacles is the underfunding of higher education and research initiatives. The Pakistani government allocates approximately 0.6% of its GDP to higher education, which is significantly lower than the global average. For comparison, countries such as the United States allocate around 2.2% of their GDP, while countries in the European Union average about 1.2%. This disparity in funding means that many Pakistani universities struggle to provide adequate facilities, attract top-tier faculty, and engage in groundbreaking research.
Moreover, the budget allocated for higher education in Pakistan is often insufficient to meet the needs of a growing student population and to modernize educational infrastructure.
In the budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the federal government has proposed a significant allocation of funds for both the education and health sectors. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Rs 93 billion has been designated for the education sector.
In contrast, countries with leading universities typically invest significantly higher amounts per student, enabling them to develop state-of-the-art facilities, conduct high-impact research, and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation.
The quality of education and research in Pakistan is further affected by bureaucratic inefficiencies and a lack of strategic vision in policy implementation. The Higher Education Commission has made efforts to improve university standards through various initiatives, such as quality assurance programs and accreditation processes. However, the actual impact of these measures has been inconsistent across different institutions. Many universities still lack the necessary resources and infrastructure to provide a world-class education, hindering their ability to compete globally.
In addition to funding and infrastructure challenges, the brain drain phenomenon poses a significant threat to the growth of higher education in Pakistan. A large number of talented individuals, including professors and researchers, seek opportunities abroad for better career prospects and research funding. This exodus not only affects the quality of education but also deprives the country of valuable intellectual capital necessary for its development. The loss of skilled professionals is a barrier to establishing a robust academic ecosystem, which is essential for elevating universities in global rankings.
The need for a multifaceted approach to enhance the quality of higher education in Pakistan is more urgent than ever. The government must prioritize investment in education by increasing the budget allocation for higher education, establishing scholarship programs to retain talent, and fostering partnerships with foreign institutions to enhance research collaboration. There is also a pressing need to streamline regulatory frameworks that govern higher education and ensure that universities have the autonomy to innovate and respond to industry needs effectively.
As the demand for higher education continues to rise in Pakistan, there is a tremendous opportunity for universities to harness technology and adapt to new modes of learning, such as online and hybrid education. Embracing innovative teaching methods and investing in digital resources can improve access to quality education, particularly for students in remote areas. Moreover, enhancing partnerships with industries can lead to more research funding, internships, and job placements, ultimately benefiting the students and the economy.
In conclusion, while Pakistan’s universities have made strides in gaining recognition in global rankings, significant challenges remain. The government must take decisive action to increase investment in higher education and research, addressing systemic issues that hinder academic growth. By fostering an environment conducive to learning, innovation, and research, Pakistan can enhance the quality of its universities and improve its position in global rankings, ultimately benefiting the nation’s socio-economic development.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
