LAHORE:
The Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) self-assessment report has raised questions about the research focus and innovation capacity of Punjab’s leading universities, with several long-established government institutions failing to achieve top rankings despite years of public funding, extensive faculty networks and extensive academic infrastructure.
The assessment examined 95 universities across the country as part of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), which examines institutional performance in governance, industry collaboration, patents and startup development.
While only seven universities in Punjab managed to achieve the highest ‘W’ category, several key institutions remained confined to lower performance brackets, revealing what education experts describe as a widening gap between academic claims and the practical impact of research.
Among universities in Punjab, only University of Lahore and University of Agriculture, Faisalabad managed to enter the top category. The University of the Punjab and the Lahore College for Women University were placed in Category Y, while the University of Sargodha remained in Category X, reflecting weaker performance in commercialization, innovation planning and industrial engagement.
Punjab is home to some of Pakistan’s oldest and largest universities, traditionally considered the backbone of the country’s higher education system.
Analysts say that despite relatively strong infrastructure and larger student populations, several of the province’s universities continue to lag behind in areas considered essential to modern higher education.
Education experts say the findings highlight a structural problem at public sector universities, where conventional academic practices continue to dominate, while innovation-driven research remains limited. According to analysts, universities are increasingly judged on a global scale, not only on the basis of their publications and degrees, but also on the basis of patents, technology transfer, startup incubation, industry partnerships and their measurable economic contribution.
A senior academic associated with a public university in Lahore remarked: “Most universities still operate under outdated administrative models. Research offices exist formally, but many lack operational independence, funding and strategic planning. Institutions continue to produce research papers but practical innovation and commercialization remain weak.
Another professor linked the poor performance of Punjab universities to worsening financial instability on campuses. According to him, repeated budget shortages and operational crises have affected research productivity.
“When universities struggle to manage salaries, pensions, electricity bills and development expenses, research naturally becomes a secondary priority. Laboratories need modernization, innovation requires investment and international collaboration requires financial stability. Many institutions are currently operating under severe economic pressure,” he said.
The evaluation also revealed an imbalance between research activities and available funding. Participating universities submitted 9,987 research proposals in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, representing a substantial increase from previous years. However, only a small percentage of proposals were approved due to limited financial resources and increasing competition between institutions.
Education analysts say this funding imbalance is creating frustration among researchers and junior faculty who struggle to secure grants for science and technology projects. Several academics believe that the situation discourages long-term innovation and pushes universities towards routine academic output rather than high-impact research.
The report also highlighted administrative concerns regarding ORIC structures. According to HEC data, only 68% of universities have full-time ORIC directors, while many continue to operate under temporary arrangements. Experts say inconsistent leadership weakens institutional continuity and affects research strategy and commercialization planning.
Critics say many universities in Punjab remain disconnected from industry and the private sector. Although they continue to organize seminars, conferences and academic activities, their ability to translate research into patents, business solutions and commercially viable products remains limited.
An education researcher said universities in developed countries contribute to industrial growth and technological advancement, while many Pakistani institutions function primarily as degree-awarding bodies.
“The global university model has completely changed. Research is now linked to economic productivity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, many universities here still operate within traditional academic boundaries,” he said.
Rankings also have financial implications. Universities ranked higher receive larger research grants, enabling them to strengthen their innovation infrastructures and research management systems. Analysts warn that lower-performing institutions could face greater financial and academic difficulties.
The report also highlights the improving performance of some private universities.
