The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has raised alarms over the prolonged stagnation of federal funding for universities, warning that continued financial strain could force tuition fee hikes and limit access for underprivileged students.
According to a written response submitted to the National Assembly, annual recurring allocations for higher education institutions have remained unchanged since 2018–19, despite a significant rise in student enrollment, faculty, and staff numbers.
“This prolonged stagnation not only impedes universities’ progress towards financial self-sustainability but may also force them to increase tuition fees, leading to reduced enrollment and greater barriers for underprivileged students,” the HEC stated.
The commission also highlighted a 35% reduction in development grants, from Rs. 61.1 billion in FY 2024-25 to Rs. 39.5 billion in 2025-26, which has already curtailed scholarship opportunities for deserving students.
Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, in his reply to questions raised by MNA Anjum Aqeel, noted that Pakistan currently offers 27 foreign scholarship programs in collaboration with international universities, supporting students from bachelor’s to postdoctoral studies abroad.
Economic analysts have criticized the government for prioritizing infrastructure projects like road construction over healthcare and education, warning that this approach could undermine long-term national development.
The ministry also highlighted a widening gap between population growth and literacy gains. Pakistan’s population reached 241.49 million in the 2023 census, growing at 2.55% annually between 2017 and 2023, while literacy rates increased by only 1.8%, from 58.9% to 60.7% during the same period. To address this, non-formal education initiatives targeting out-of-school children and marginalized communities are being expanded.
Meanwhile, HEC is operating under interim leadership, with Prof. Dr. Ziaul Haq, Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University, set to take over as executive director shortly. The chairman’s post is also in the final stages of selection, with interviews of around 30 shortlisted candidates scheduled next week.
With universities facing funding stagnation and development budget cuts, the prospect of tuition hikes and reduced scholarships looms large, raising concerns over equitable access to higher education across Pakistan.
