Pakistan has achieved a significant milestone in higher education this year, with 48 universities making it to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026. The rankings highlight the nation’s growing emphasis on research, innovation, and academic excellence across diverse disciplines.
Quaid-i-Azam University Tops Among Pakistani Institutions
Leading the list once again, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, secured a place in the 401–500 ranking band, maintaining its reputation as Pakistan’s top-ranked institution. Following closely, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, made an impressive leap by improving 400 points, landing in the 601–800 band.
Other universities placed in the same category (601–800) include Air University, COMSATS University Islamabad, Government College University Faisalabad, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sukkur IBA, University of Lahore, and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore.
Strong Representation Across Multiple Categories
Fifteen universities have been ranked between 801–1000, showcasing Pakistan’s expanding academic footprint. These include:
-
Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
-
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
-
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI)
-
Government College University Lahore
-
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
-
Iqra University
-
Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Technology, Rahim Yar Khan
-
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
-
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
-
University of Central Punjab (UCP)
-
University of Engineering and Technology Taxila (UET Taxila)
-
University of Gujrat
-
University of Malakand
-
University of Management and Technology (UMT)
-
University of the Punjab (PU)
Ten more universities, including Bahria University, Institute of Space Technology (IST), Hazara University, Riphah International University, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, University of Haripur, University of Education, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, University of Okara, and University of Peshawar, were placed in the 1001–1200 category.
Additionally, eight universities were ranked between 1201–1500, while six others appeared in the 1501+ category.
Global Rankings Overview
The 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings include 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories. The University of Oxford retained its top position for the tenth consecutive year, driven by strong research performance. Princeton University climbed to joint third place, achieving its best-ever ranking.
Meanwhile, China now boasts five universities in the global top 40, while Hong Kong achieved a record six spots in the top 200 due to improved teaching indicators. India ranked second globally in terms of the number of universities listed, following the United States.
Research and Innovation Drive BZU’s Rise
BZU Vice Chancellor Dr. Zubair Iqbal credited the university’s improvement to collective efforts by faculty, administration, and staff. He noted that the quality of research has significantly improved in recent years, with faculty members encouraged to secure funded projects. The university also introduced several research incentives to enhance productivity and global visibility.
Pakistan’s Growing Academic Reputation
The inclusion of 48 Pakistani universities in the latest THE rankings reflects steady progress in higher education standards. The focus on innovation, faculty development, and international collaboration continues to strengthen Pakistan’s global academic profile.
As more universities align with global benchmarks, Pakistan’s education sector is expected to play a larger role in advancing regional research, innovation, and sustainable development.
