LAHORE:
The Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) self-assessment report has raised questions about the research direction and innovation capacity of Punjab’s top universities as several long-established government institutions failed to secure top rankings despite years of public funding, large faculty networks and extensive academic infrastructure.
The assessment examined 95 universities across the country under the framework of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), which examines institutional performance in governance, industrial collaboration, patents and new business development.
While only seven universities in Punjab managed to achieve the highest ‘W’ category, several key institutions remained confined to lower performance levels, exposing 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 Faisalabad Agricultural University managed to enter the top category. Punjab University and Lahore Women’s College University were placed in Y category, while Sargodha University remained in X category, reflecting weaker performance in commercialization, innovation planning and industrial commitment.
Punjab is home to some of Pakistan’s largest and oldest universities, which have traditionally been considered the backbone of the country’s higher education system.
Analysts maintain that despite comparatively strong infrastructure and a larger student population, several universities in the province continue to lag behind in areas considered essential in modern higher education.
Education experts believe the findings highlight a structural problem in public sector universities where conventional academic practices continue to dominate, while innovation-driven research remains limited. Universities are increasingly judged globally not only on their publications and degrees, but also on their patents, technology transfer, startup incubation, industry partnerships and measurable economic contributions, analysts say.
A senior academic associated with a government university in Lahore commented: “Most universities still operate on outdated administrative models. Research offices formally exist, 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 weak performance of Punjab universities to worsening financial instability across campuses. According to him, repeated budget shortfalls 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 currently operate 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 during fiscal year 2024-25, showing a substantial increase compared to previous years. However, only a small percentage of the proposals were approved due to limited financial resources and increasing competition between institutions.
Education analysts say this imbalance in funding is creating frustration among young researchers and teachers struggling to secure grants for science and technology projects. Several academics believe the situation discourages long-term innovation and pushes universities toward routine academic production rather than impactful 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 on temporary arrangements. Experts argue that inconsistent leadership weakens institutional continuity and affects research strategy and commercialization planning.
Critics argue that many universities in Punjab remain disconnected from industry and the private sector. While they continue to organize seminars, conferences and academic activities, their ability to transform 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.
The rankings also have financial implications. Universities in higher categories receive higher subsidies for general research expenses, allowing them to strengthen innovation infrastructure and research management systems. Analysts warn that weaker-performing institutions may face greater financial and academic challenges.
The report also highlighted the improved performance of some private universities.
