This year’s World University Rankings feature a record 2,000 universities from 115 countries, reflecting a 9.7% increase from last year. Pakistan boasts 47 ranked universities, tying with Taiwan as the 14th most-represented nation globally and ranking 6th in Asia.
Leading the way is Quaid-i-Azam University, which is the only Pakistani institution in the top 500. Additionally, eight other universities from Pakistan fall within the 601-800 range, including the newly ranked Sukkur IBA University and the University of Malakand, which improved its standing after moving up from the 801-1,000 bracket.
However, the rankings highlight challenges for Pakistani universities, as only seven saw improvements in their positions, while ten experienced declines. Among those in the 601-800 range are notable institutions like NUST, COMSATS Islamabad, Air University, GCU Faisalabad, Capital University, UET Taxila, and the University of Malakand. Thirteen universities ranked between 801 and 1000, including LUMS, Arid Agriculture University, and UET Peshawar.
Despite having 266 universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), only 94 participated in the rankings. Statistically, at least 17 Pakistani universities should ideally rank in the top 500, yet only Quaid-e-Azam University achieved this distinction.
The Times Higher Education Rankings evaluate research-intensive universities based on 18 performance indicators, including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and internationalization. This year, 2,860 institutions submitted data, marking a 6.9% increase from the previous year.
In contrast to Pakistan, only five Indian universities made it into the top 500, notably excluding any IITs, raising questions about the credibility of the Times Higher Education rankings. Meanwhile, twelve universities from the Gulf region secured spots in the top 500, with King Fahd University of Science and Technology at 176th and Abu Dhabi University at 191st.
Times Higher Education (THE) and QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) are recognized as leading global ranking platforms, evaluating universities based on research, teaching, and societal impact. The University of Oxford has claimed the top spot for the ninth consecutive year, surpassing Harvard’s eight-year reign that ended in 2011, noted for its strong international outlook and collaborative research efforts.
