- HEC has asked public and private universities to take part in the QS World Rankings 2028.
- A nationwide capacity-building initiative is expected to conclude by December 2026.
- Muhammad Ali Baig has been named National Coordinator for National University Rankings.
- HEC says overall participation by Pakistani institutions remains relatively limited.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has urged public and private universities to take an active part in the QS World Rankings 2028, formally known as the QS World University Rankings 2028. The commission wants to strengthen Pakistan's representation and standing in global higher education.
In this article
The appeal was made in a letter sent to vice chancellors, rectors and heads of institutions across the country. Through that letter, HEC is asking universities to engage actively with the QS World Rankings and to prepare properly for the process.
Encouraging results, limited participation in QS World Rankings
In the letter, HEC Executive Director Dr Zia Ul Haq noted that several Pakistani universities have performed encouragingly in international rankings. However, he pointed out that overall participation from the country's institutions is still relatively limited.
In other words, encouraging performance by several universities sits alongside participation that HEC describes as relatively limited overall. That is the context for the commission's letter on the QS World Rankings 2028.
He advised universities to submit their institutional data on time and to meet all other requirements within the prescribed deadlines.
Nationwide capacity-building initiative for the QS World Rankings
To help institutions with the process, HEC has launched a nationwide capacity-building initiative. It focuses on ranking methodologies, data requirements and institutional preparedness.
The initiative is expected to conclude by December 2026. For universities preparing for the QS World Rankings 2028, it covers three areas: ranking methodologies, data requirements and institutional preparedness.
The initiative is described as nationwide, and the appeal itself is addressed to universities in both the public and private sectors.
A national coordinator for guidance
HEC has appointed Muhammad Ali Baig, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Data Repository Division, as National Coordinator for National University Rankings. His role is to facilitate guidance and coordination with universities.
The appointment gives institutions a named point of guidance and coordination as they prepare for the QS World Rankings 2028. It sits alongside the capacity-building initiative as part of HEC's support for universities.
Why joining the QS World Rankings matters, according to HEC
The commission emphasised that broader participation, sustained engagement and evidence-based planning are essential to improving the international standing of Pakistani universities.
Put simply, HEC links three things to a stronger international position: more institutions taking part, continued engagement rather than a one-off effort, and planning based on evidence. Joining the QS World Rankings is presented as part of that approach.
Who sent the letter and who received it
The letter was written by HEC Executive Director Dr Zia Ul Haq. It was addressed to vice chancellors, rectors and heads of institutions across the country.
In it, he noted the encouraging performance of several Pakistani universities in international rankings, while pointing out that overall participation from the country's institutions remains relatively limited.
Explained: what HEC wants from universities in the QS World Rankings 2028
The letter and the related announcements can be summarised as a short list of expectations for institutions interested in the QS World Rankings 2028. According to HEC, universities should:
- take an active part in the QS World Rankings 2028, whether they are public or private institutions;
- submit their institutional data on time;
- meet all other requirements within the prescribed deadlines;
- make use of the nationwide capacity-building initiative, which focuses on ranking methodologies, data requirements and institutional preparedness; and
- work with the National Coordinator for National University Rankings, who has been appointed to facilitate guidance and coordination.
Background: Pakistani universities and global rankings
Several Pakistani universities have performed encouragingly in international rankings, according to the letter from HEC Executive Director Dr Zia Ul Haq. However, he said that overall participation from the country's institutions remains relatively limited.
HEC wants to strengthen Pakistan's representation and standing in global higher education. Its letter to vice chancellors, rectors and heads of institutions ties that aim to wider participation in the QS World Rankings 2028.
The commission has paired its appeal with practical support. That support consists of the capacity-building initiative, due to conclude by December 2026, and the appointment of Muhammad Ali Baig, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Data Repository Division, as National Coordinator for National University Rankings.
In brief: the HEC appeal and the support on offer
In brief, HEC wants more Pakistani universities, public and private, to take part in global ranking exercises, to submit their data on time and to use the support it has put in place. That support includes a capacity-building initiative expected to conclude by December 2026 and a named National Coordinator for National University Rankings, Muhammad Ali Baig.
The capacity-building initiative is expected to conclude by December 2026. Universities are expected to submit their institutional data and meet all other requirements for the QS World Rankings 2028 within the prescribed deadlines.
Questions and answers
What has HEC asked universities to do about the QS World Rankings?
HEC has urged public and private universities to participate actively in the QS World Rankings 2028 and to submit their institutional data on time.
Why is HEC writing to universities about global rankings?
The commission wants to strengthen Pakistan's representation and standing in global higher education. It says several Pakistani universities have performed encouragingly, but overall participation remains relatively limited.
Who wrote the letter and who received it?
The letter came from HEC Executive Director Dr Zia Ul Haq. It was sent to vice chancellors, rectors and heads of institutions across the country.
Does the appeal apply to private universities?
Yes. HEC has called on universities in both the public and private sectors to take an active part.
Who is the National Coordinator for National University Rankings?
HEC has appointed Muhammad Ali Baig, Deputy Director of the Higher Education Data Repository Division, to facilitate guidance and coordination with universities.
How is HEC helping universities prepare for the QS World Rankings 2028?
It has launched a nationwide capacity-building initiative covering ranking methodologies, data requirements and institutional preparedness. The initiative is expected to conclude by December 2026.
When is the capacity-building initiative expected to end?
It is expected to conclude by December 2026.
What does HEC say is essential to improving international standing?
The commission emphasised that broader participation, sustained engagement and evidence-based planning are essential to improving the international standing of Pakistani universities.
What did Dr Zia Ul Haq say about Pakistani universities in international rankings?
He noted that several Pakistani universities have performed encouragingly in international rankings. He also pointed out that overall participation from the country's institutions is still relatively limited.
What does the capacity-building initiative focus on?
It focuses on ranking methodologies, data requirements and institutional preparedness. HEC describes the initiative as nationwide.
What is Muhammad Ali Baig's role?
He is Deputy Director of the Higher Education Data Repository Division. HEC has appointed him National Coordinator for National University Rankings to facilitate guidance and coordination with universities.
What did HEC advise about institutional data and deadlines?
HEC advised universities to submit their institutional data on time and to meet all other requirements within the prescribed deadlines.
Image: Saadz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
