The recently released Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026 have reminded us of both progress and paralysis within our higher education system.
The 2026 THE rankings included 2,191 universities from 115countries, assessed through 18 indicators across five major rubrics: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry engagement, and international outlook. India has the second-highest number of ranked universities, behind only the US. Whereas Pakistan had 48 universities ranked in THE, it was behind many, not just its peers in India.
The upward trajectory of several universities, especially, Air University, Bahauddin Zakariya University, COMSATS, GCU Faisalabad, NUST, IBA Sukkur, University of Lahore, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, reflects resilience and quiet reform.
The long-held assumption that LUMS is the uncontested leader of excellence has been challenged. The University of Lahore, Capital University of Science and Technology, and Iqra University have performed better than LUMS on several indicators. Even more notable is the University of Management and Technology, which now outpaces most private universities in research quality.