HEC Report Highlights Performance of Pakistani Universities

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has completed a comprehensive performance assessment of Pakistani universities, evaluating institutions on key indicators including research output, human resource development, and commercialization activities.

According to the report, only seven out of 95 universities achieved the highest performance category, reflecting strong results in academic research, innovation, and institutional development. The assessment aims to measure the effectiveness of universities in contributing to Pakistan’s higher education and research ecosystem.

A total of 38 universities were placed in the Y category, while 43 institutions secured positions in the X category, indicating satisfactory performance across various academic and research benchmarks. However, seven universities were identified as low performers, highlighting areas that require significant improvement.

Among the institutions recognized for strong performance were Air University, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), NED University of Engineering and Technology, Institute of Business Administration Sukkur, University of Lahore, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Ziauddin University.

Meanwhile, institutions identified among the lower-performing group included Shah Abdul Latif University, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Bacha Khan University, University of Swat, and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.

The report also highlighted research activity during the 2024-25 academic year. A total of 2,237 research proposals were submitted by universities and academic institutions across the country. Of these, 918 proposals received approval, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 41 percent.

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Education experts believe the findings provide valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of Pakistan’s higher education sector. The evaluation is expected to guide future policy decisions, funding allocations, and institutional reforms aimed at improving research quality, innovation, and academic competitiveness.

The HEC report underscores the growing importance of research excellence and commercialization in higher education, while emphasizing the need for underperforming institutions to enhance their academic standards and research capabilities.