Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled a sweeping set of higher education reforms aimed at transforming the province into a regional hub of academic excellence. Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister announced plans to overhaul key institutions, attract internationally renowned universities, and introduce robust accountability measures for faculty and administrators.
Among the key initiatives, Government College University, Government College for Women University, and the University of Engineering and Technology will be developed as model campuses to set new standards for quality education. In addition, Punjab will host campuses of prestigious foreign universities such as the University of London, Brunel University, and institutions from South Korea and Kazakhstan, a move expected to elevate the province’s global academic profile.
To tighten governance, a KPI-based evaluation system will be introduced for faculty members and Vice Chancellors, alongside an Education Vigilance Squad tasked with conducting surprise inspections to assess teaching quality, attendance, and campus discipline. A detailed assessment of underperforming colleges has also been ordered to identify systemic weaknesses.
Student welfare initiatives were also highlighted during the meeting. The Chief Minister received updates on the Punjab Talented Scholarship and Laptop Scheme, which has already attracted over 19,000 applications nationwide, and directed authorities to further expand the program’s reach. Additionally, College Management Councils will be established to improve governance in public colleges.
Looking to the future, the Higher Education Strategic Plan (2025-2029) will prioritize digital learning, research, and innovation. The province is also preparing to host its first Higher Education Conference to address sector-wide challenges and strengthen collaborative efforts across academia.
While the measures are ambitious, education experts caution that the success of these reforms will depend on consistent implementation, adequate funding, and the capacity to sustain international partnerships. Critics have also noted that previous education overhauls in the province failed to meet long-term goals due to bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of follow-through. Supporters, however, argue that Maryam Nawaz’s vision, if realized, could position Punjab as a leader in higher education across the region.
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“Our vision is clear—to make Punjab a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and academic excellence,” said the Chief Minister, reaffirming her government’s resolve to deliver meaningful change in the sector.