The Nation – Higher Education Funding         _Author – Muhammad Murtaza Noor

The recent announcement by Punjab’s education minister to raise the higher education budget from PKR 17 billion to a staggering PKR 90 billion is a bold and long-overdue move that breaks the silence around the crumbling state of Pakistan’s universities. But one swallow doesn’t make a summer. This standalone initiative, though promising, must be stitched into a broader national strategy to pull the country’s higher education system back from the edge. Universities across Pakistan are reeling under the weight of inflation, growing academic programs, and administrative burdens, with many sinking into debt and unable to pay salaries. Institutions like Quaid-i-Azam University and the University of Balochistan are practically gasping for air. The unchanged federal recurring grant of PKR 65 billion since 2018, despite an increase in universities, speaks volumes about the neglect. Alarm bells are ringing, and if policymakers continue to turn a deaf ear, we might witness an academic collapse that will be hard to recover from.

Higher education funding is no longer a matter of policy—it’s a matter of survival. FAPUASA has made it crystal clear that a recurring grant of at least PKR 200 billion is crucial, alongside a total education budget equaling 4–5% of GDP if Pakistan hopes to join the global knowledge economy. Moreover, there’s a dire need for legal reforms that empower universities to generate their own income through collaborations, commercialization of research, and alumni support. The disparity between provinces—some stepping up while others are dragging their feet—must be ironed out through a coordinated and unified approach. Without autonomy, transparency, and performance-based accountability, universities will continue to drift aimlessly. As the nation teeters between economic survival and intellectual bankruptcy, now is the time to put its money where its mouth is. Reviving public universities isn’t just about funding classrooms—it’s about safeguarding the future of the country.

Overview:

The article presents a strong critique of the financial crisis in Pakistan’s higher education sector, highlighting the massive gap between rising academic needs and stagnant funding. While Punjab’s massive budget increase is lauded, the piece underscores the need for a national, structured, and inclusive policy that empowers universities, ensures sustainability, and promotes innovation.

NOTES:

This article provides deep thought into Pakistan’s education policy challenges, especially concerning higher education funding. It’s relevant to CSS topics like educational reforms, economic planning, devolution under the 18th Amendment, governance in public institutions, and Pakistan’s international competitiveness. The article can be used to strengthen arguments in essays or current affairs questions regarding education crises, federalism, and public-sector reforms.

Related CSS Subjects and Topics:

• Pakistan Affairs – Education policy, governance issue
• Current Affairs – Budget analysis, institutional reform
• Essay – Human capital development, education crisis
• Public Administration – Devolution, resource allocation
• Governance and Public Policy – Higher education governance

Notes for Beginners:

Pakistan has over 269 universities, and most are public and dependent on government funds. These funds have not increased despite inflation and expansion in student numbers. For instance, Quaid-i-Azam University is facing a yearly deficit of over 1 billion rupees. A sustainable education system means universities should earn income through partnerships and research commercialization. Just as businesses need investors to grow, universities need stable funding and supportive laws. Punjab’s decision to increase its budget fivefold shows what proactive steps look like, but other provinces and the federal government need to follow suit for long-term impact.

Facts and Figures:

• Punjab’s budget increased from PKR 17 billion to PKR 90 billion
• Pakistan has 269 HEC-recognized universities
• Federal higher education grant remains PKR 65 billion since 2018
• Quaid-i-Azam University’s deficit exceeds PKR 1 billion
• Global recommendation: 4% of GDP for education; Pakistan spends less than 2%

This article sounds the alarm on Pakistan’s higher education crisis and calls for more than symbolic gestures. It urges coordinated efforts, robust funding, policy reforms, and financial independence for universities. If ignored, the cracks in the education system will widen into chasms, robbing the nation of its intellectual backbone. Investing in higher education is no longer optional—it is the heartbeat of a nation striving for survival in a knowledge-driven world.