“Pakistani universities excel in knowledge creation despite financial constraints”
KARACHI: Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, highlighted the country's tertiary education achievements, citing a 13% enrollment rate and significant improvements in gender parity, during a meeting with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education on September 27. Addressing the parliamentarians, Dr Ahmed noted that Pakistan now has 265 universities, with an 11% increase in tertiary education rate since 2002. The enrollment ratio has also improved, with 52% male and 48% female students, up from 68% male and 32% female in 2002. Despite financial hardships, Pakistani universities are publishing over 1,000 research papers annually, with a significant increase in high-impact journals. Dr Ahmed emphasised the need for continuous state support to ensure sustainable development in the higher education sector. Financial challenges persist: The HEC chairman highlighted the sector's financial struggles, including a Rs60.1 billion shor...