In a significant development, authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are considering closing 14 universities due to their poor performance and financial instability. The Task Force Committee for Higher Education has raised serious concerns about the operations of these institutions. The final decision regarding their fate will be made by the cabinet on July 11.
The University of Peshawar, once a prestigious institution known for its education and research, has recently been highlighted as the least productive public sector university in the province for the 2022-23 academic year. According to a report by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the university scored a mere 10 percent on the HEC’s performance scorecard. This alarming statistic has put the university in a precarious position, emphasizing the need for immediate reforms.
Other universities in the province have also struggled with performance issues. Gomal University, Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), and Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology (SUIT) all scored below 30 percent on the HEC’s performance scorecard. These low scores indicate widespread challenges within the higher education system in the region.
In contrast, some universities have managed to perform relatively well. Khyber Medical University emerged as the top performer with a score of over 70 percent. The University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, followed with a score of over 60 percent. Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan scored 53 percent, the University of Hazara achieved over 52 percent, and Islamia College University, Peshawar, scored 48 percent. These institutions serve as examples of resilience and effective management amidst the broader struggles faced by others in the region.
However, not all universities were able to meet these standards. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women’s University Peshawar, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), and the University of Malakand scored 40 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent, respectively. These scores highlight the varying levels of performance and underline the challenges that some institutions face in maintaining educational standards and financial stability.
The impending decision by the cabinet on July 11 will be a critical moment for the higher education sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The closure of these universities could have significant implications for students, faculty, and the broader community. It underscores the urgent need for strategic interventions to address the systemic issues plaguing these institutions and to ensure that higher education in the province can thrive in the future.
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