PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has approved a provincial-level ranking system for universities, becoming the first province in Pakistan to do so.
The approval was granted by Minister for Higher Education and Local Government, Meena Khan Afridi, following a year-long consultative and technical process. Under the new system, a formal ranking list of KP universities will be issued for the first time in March 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Afridi described the initiative as a “New Year’s gift” for universities, faculty members, students, and academic staff, saying it would promote educational quality, transparency, and healthy competition across the province.
According to the Higher Education Department, the ranking framework has been developed after a detailed review of internationally recognized systems such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE), as well as Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) criteria. Key indicators from these systems have been adapted to suit provincial needs.
All public sector universities in KP have been directed to submit required data through a prescribed proforma within one month. The rankings will assess institutional performance across multiple domains, including governance, research and development, financial management and fund generation, student support services, and academic excellence.
The provincial government has also announced that future allocation of financial grants to universities will take their rankings into account, with better-performing institutions receiving additional support and facilities.
Afridi emphasized that the ranking system has been designed in line with international standards to ensure a comprehensive and transparent evaluation process. He noted that no other province in Pakistan has yet introduced a similar provincial-level university ranking mechanism, giving KP a leading position in higher education reform.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said KP would continue to implement practical measures to enhance the quality of higher education and strengthen the global competitiveness of its universities.
