For the first time, six Pakistani universities have figured in the list of top 300 institutions of higher learning in Asia in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Universities Rankings 2012. The QS is regarded as the world most prestigious ranking agency and has placed NUST University at 108th position, the University of Karachi between 191-200, the Aga Khan University, Karachi, and the University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, between 201-250, LUMS Lahore and the University of Lahore between 251-300. It is a compliment to the management and faculties of these universities for their hard work, commitment and dedication.
The honour may lead to further improvising their position and send a message across to other universities in the country to compete and upgrade their status. There is a dire need for the government to make adequate allocation of funds in the forthcoming budget so that the standard of education in Pakistan could be brought on par with international universities. One would be failing in one’s duty if due credit is not given to the Higher Education Commission that was instrumental in producing quality faculty by appointing competent professors and sending others abroad for PhD studies. They returned to their respective institutions and brought about a healthy change by introducing new methods of teaching and making a positive contribution to improve the environment. Now that the 18th Amendment has placed the HECs under the provinces, the provincial governments should keep these vital institutions high in the list of priorities for the allocation of funds.