Unpacking K-P's higher education crisis

Express Tribune

30-03-2025

Recent revelations about the abysmal performance of candidates in competitive examinations highlight the deteriorating standards of higher education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. For instance, in the examination for Additional Sessions Judges from the lawyers' quota last year, the pass percentage was an astonishing zero. Similarly, for 80 seats of Civil Judges, only nine candidates qualified. More recently, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council requested the Peshawar High Court to relax English language requirements for the Additional Sessions Judges screening test. Out of 598 candidates, 139 failed to clear the English component. The downward trend continues with the Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination, where only 408 out of 28,024 candidates passed the written exam—a pass percentage of just 2.96%.
This state of affairs paints a bleak picture. The degrees conferred by the universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, often hold little real-world value as the graduates are ill-equipped to compete in a rapidly evolving job market. This brings us to the pressing question: What has gone so wrong?
Universities as engines of change: a fading ideal
Higher education institutions are expected to uphold rigorous standards, foster academic excellence, conduct meaningful research, and prepare students for public service and leadership roles. Universities, often called "banks of knowledge," are meant to ignite critical thinking and generate new ideas, thereby driving intellectual and economic growth.
However, setting up a university is not enough. Ensuring the quality of education is paramount. Recognising this, Pakistan has developed legal frameworks and policies like the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Ordinance 2002, the Federal Universities Ordinance 2002, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2012. But the implementation remains deeply flawed.
HEC: a toothless watchdog?
As per the Fourth Schedule, Legislative List Part II of the Constitution, it is the federal government's responsibility to maintain standards in higher education and research. This task falls to the HEC, which has laid out benchmarks for new universities, departments, and degree programs. Unfortunately, these standards are often ignored.
The HEC aims to build a progressive and tolerant society, promoting the dignity of labour, critical thought, and public service. Its goals include mobilising resources, enhancing institutional quality, and facilitating reform. But without enforcement, these objectives remain just aspirational.
Between law and laxit
The Modern University Governance Programme seeks to professionalise university leadership, introduce international best practices, and encourage data-driven decision-making. Yet, these reforms barely scratch the surface in most KP universities.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2012 aimed to overhaul governance structures, ensuring transparency and representation. But have these ideals been met? The continued decline in global rankings suggests otherwise. For instance, Punjab University and University of Peshawar languish in the 800-1000 and 951-1000 bands, respectively.
The 2012 University Act was intended to grant autonomy and encourage innovation. However, its implementation has led to a proliferation of jobs, not improvement in education. Laws alone cannot transform institutions unless faithfully implemented.
Billions of rupees have been poured into higher education by both federal and provincial governments. Yet, the promised quality remains elusive. Why?
Rules exist, but are rarely followed
The Syndicate and Senate, intended as autonomous oversight bodies, are often manipulated. Vice Chancellors (VCs) influence member selection, weakening accountability. Many decisions favour vested interests, leading to internal conflicts and deteriorating academic environments.
A major concern is the imbalance in these statutory bodies, where independent voices are outnumbered by university employees and government officials with potential conflicts of interest. This undermines transparency and sound decision-making, contributing to financial mismanagement and academic mediocrity.
The elusive quest for excellence
Some universities tout slogans like "Quest for Excellence," but reality tells a different story. MPhil and PhD programs are launched without regular faculty or departmental accreditation. Admission criteria are lowered, and standards differ widely across institutions. Degrees are mass-produced, not earned through rigorous academic engagement.
Research and innovation are given short shrift. Many universities fail to allocate even the mandated 10% of their budget for research. Very few have research journals of even a 'Y' category ranking.
The Vice Chancellor: key to reform or agent of decay?
The VC plays a pivotal role. Unfortunately, appointments are often politically motivated. Search committees rarely examine service records or ethical conduct. A VC must be a role model with impeccable integrity, yet many succumb to external pressures, compromising merit and accountability.
Ideally, the VC should serve a five-year term and can be appointed from outside academia, provided the individual has administrative acumen and intellectual depth. Former Chief Secretaries or heads of training institutions can be viable candidates if chosen wisely.
Ad Hoc Appointments
Sections 11(5)(d) and 11(5)(e) of the University Act, meant for temporary appointments, are routinely misused. Contracts are extended beyond legal limits, promotions are granted without merit, and deserving candidates are excluded. In one prominent case, the Peshawar High Court dismissed petitions for regularisation from over 50 contractual employees, reinforcing the principle of merit-based hiring.
Mandatory positions such as Registrar, Treasurer, Controller of Examinations, and Deans often remain vacant or are filled through dubious means. Cherry-picking, internal favoritism, and ignoring relevant experience are common.
The role of regulatory bodies
Despite clear legal directives, statutory bodies like the Senate and Syndicate often overstep their limits. Contracts are unlawfully extended, salaries are paid against expired terms, and non-sanctioned posts are created. This not only violates audit standards but also promotes corruption.
All university appointments must follow the Planning & Development guidelines and be backed by financial feasibility. Any deviation should be reviewed and rectified.
Academic dilution and devaluation
Enrolment standards for MPhil and PhD programs are inconsistent. Some universities admit candidates without declaring dissertation results. Co-authorship with students is misused for promotions, while faculty publications often appear in substandard journals.
There must be uniform criteria. Professorship should be tied to significant achievements such as inventions, development of new theories, or international recognition.
Inspections and accountability
Section 21 of the Act allows the Senate and Chancellor to order inspections. These powers should be actively used. Statutes must clearly define mechanisms for independent inquiries.
Moreover, the absence of strategic plans, lack of performance audits, and poor curriculum design further weaken educational outcomes. Extracurricular activities are rare, leading to a stagnant academic culture.
Research: neglected and underfunded
Top global universities allocate nearly half of their budgets to research and innovation. In Pakistan, this figure rarely exceeds 5%. Library resources, journal access, and publication support are grossly inadequate.
Transparency and reality check
The emphasis remains on enrolment numbers rather than academic excellence. Courses are offered without faculty, infrastructure, or accreditation. Semester rules are flouted, and admission processes are manipulated.
A local university, unnamed here for its protection, lost six international PhD scholarships due to its failure to convene a syndicate meeting. Budget documents presented in 2019 were based on outdated plans from 2016. Departments like Geology and Chemistry failed to meet regularly, and no internal or external audits were conducted.
Moreover, fake degrees and detailed marks certificates were issued by an organised mafia within the university. Even directives from the Chancellor to constitute an independent inquiry committee were ignored.
University of Peshawar: a case study in decline
The university's FY23 budget projected Rs4.176 billion in income against Rs4.702 billion in expenses, revealing a shortfall of Rs502 million. Pension arrears and salary increments further inflated the deficit.
Between 2007 and 2018, the university added over 2,000 employees without proper need assessment, in clear violation of financial regulations. These unchecked recruitments contributed to a deficit of over Rs1.2 billion.
Beyond slogans to substance
Good governance in education hinges on the rule of law, accountability, and commitment to merit. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Act 2012, HEC guidelines, and constitutional provisions provide a solid foundation. What is lacking is implementation.
As aptly remarked by Riaz Noor, former Chief Secretary and Secretary Higher Education, "In 1970 when I applied for admission to Oxford University, degrees from Peshawar University were recognised. Today, it is not even on the radar."
The higher education crisis in Pakistan is not just about funding or infrastructure. It is about vision, leadership, and above all, quality. If we wish to reclaim academic integrity and global recognition, the time to act is now.
The way forward: urgent and comprehensive reforms
Transparent Appointments: Selection of VCs and senior administrators must be based on merit and verified past performance.
Public Service Commission Oversight: Appointments from BPS-16 to BPS-21 should be made through the Public Service Commission.
Performance Audits: Reputed international firms should regularly evaluate university departments.
Key Performance Indicators: Each unit of the university must be held accountable through measurable targets.
R&D Funding: At least 40% of the university budget must be allocated to research.
Industrial Linkages: Strong partnerships with industries can bridge the skills gap.
Independent Members: Increase the number of neutral, qualified members in the Senate and Syndicate.
Student Engagement: Revive student unions and encourage co-curricular activities.
Regulate New Departments: No new department should be established until the existing ones are fully functional.
Standardise Postgraduate Admissions: Strict adherence to HEC guidelines must be ensured.
Dr Syed Akhtar Ali Shah is a former Secretary to Government, Home & Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IG. He can be emailed at: [e-mail]
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the author