Pakistan, Oct. 14 -- 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.

Quaid-e-Azam University retained its position in the 401-500 band, while improving its overall score to 46.2-49.8, with a remarkable 84.7% in research qu...