Pakistan’s higher education sector has been spotlighted as a pivotal engine for national progress, as the federal government allocates a robust Rs. 39.5 billion to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the 2025-26 federal budget.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, during his budget address, underscored the government’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy, revealing that the funding will support 170 ongoing and new higher education projects. Of the total amount, Rs 38.5 billion has been reserved specifically for the timely completion of existing initiatives.
“A skilled and educated workforce is essential to enhance productivity and expand industrial exports,” said Aurangzeb, linking the education sector directly to economic growth and competitiveness.
A key highlight of the budget is the emphasis on inclusivity. Under the Prime Minister’s Special Initiative, the government aims to empower differently-abled students by providing electric wheelchairs, customized laptops, and audio-visual learning aids. The initiative seeks to remove barriers to education and promote academic excellence among marginalized communities.
In addition, Rs 1.97 billion has been earmarked under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the Pak-UK Education Gateway, a collaborative project between HEC and the British Council. Key objectives of the Pak-UK Gateway include the launch of joint degree programs, enhanced research funding, faculty development, and policy reforms designed to align Pakistan’s academic standards with global benchmarks.
“These investments are more than just infrastructure upgrades — they are strategic interventions to future-proof our workforce and ensure Pakistan’s active participation in the global knowledge economy,” Aurangzeb stated.
Related: Economic Survey 2025: The Uneven Map of Education in Pakistan
The government’s sustained focus on higher education signals a broader vision for national development — one where youth empowerment, research excellence, and international collaboration converge to build a more prosperous and resilient Pakistan.