There are over 190 universities in Pakistan today, but there were only a handful of institutions of higher learning at the time of independence. Ever wondered which are the oldest universities in Pakistan that still continue to impart quality education? Well, you are in luck, because we have just the list for this query of yours. Read on.
King Edward Medical University (1860)
The only medical college in the country at the time of its independence, King Edward Medical University (KEMU) also happens to be the oldest educational institute in Pakistan. Named after Edward VII, the college’s foundation was laid in 1860 in Lahore. After more than 140 years of producing top-notch medical professionals, the college was given the status of a university in 2005. Given its prestigious history as well as sought after faculty and facilities, KEMU is the top ranked public institution for medical education in Pakistan. Resultantly, only students at the upper end of the merit lists make the KEMU grade come admission season. Pushing 157 years and still going strong, we think KEMU would continue to produce stellar medical talent for the country for decades to come.
Government College University (1864)
Those who have passed out adore it, the ones enrolled love it and aspirants dream of nothing else. Such is the allure of this esteemed institute. And it has produced more trailblazers for the country than can be accounted for. The Government College University (GCU) made a university since 2002, has a history as rich as the region’s. It has attracted raw talent from the farthest corners of the country for decades and turned them into finest examples of humanity that have inspired thousands more. Nobel laureates Har Gobind Khorana, Abdus Salam and Poet of the East Allama Muhammad Iqbal are prominent feathers in its cap. But GC’s effect on the development of this nation is far beyond what can be fathomed. Its premises paint an old-world philosopher’s charm, while its classrooms are seats of knowledge, both modern and historic. Since 2002, GCU has been producing learned university graduates in fields as varied as economics, biotechnology and arts.
Forman Christian College (1864)
The Forman Christian College (FCC) was founded in 1864 as Mission College and is one of the premier and oldest institution of higher learning in the region. It was renamed Forman Christian College in 1894 to honour the founder. The university remained affiliated with the University of Punjab from 1947-2004. However, FCC was made an independent university in 2004, giving it a degree awarding status. Notable alumni include Inder Kumar Gujral, Pervez Musharraf, Eqbal Ahmad, Cecil Chaudhry and Krishan Chander.
National College of Arts (1875)
The National College of Arts, popularly known as NCA, was founded in 1875 in Lahore as Mayo School of Industrial Arts. At the time it was the only institution dedicated to the studies of arts and crafts in the area. It was renamed National College of Arts in 1958. NCA was given degree-awarding status in 1985 and continues to be the top-ranked, premier public art institution in Pakistan. Notable alumni include Bhagat Singh, Zahoorul Akhlaq, Nayyar Ali Dada, Salima Hashmi and Ali Zafar. The college is ranked the top arts school in Pakistan. NCA offers top class undergrad and postgraduate degree programs in various departments such as fine arts, film and TV, multimedia arts, musicology and architecture, communication design, ceramics design, product design and textile design.
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (1882)
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, or UVAS as it is commonly referred to, was founded in 1882 as College of Veterinary Sciences. The university remains among the oldest institutions of veterinary sciences and microbiology in Asia. It was made an independent degree-awarding university in 2002. UVAS has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research in the field of animal sciences. The university continues to be a top institution for veterinary and animal sciences in the subcontinent that churns out globally recognized research.
University of the Punjab (1882)
Like GCU, University of the Punjab, or Punjab University (PU) as it is commonly known as, has no equal. It is truly one of the oldest universities in Pakistan and the wider subcontinent region. There is no denying the fact that for over 125 years, PU has turned tens of thousands of students into invaluable human resources for the country and the world. Think of any subject that interests you and PU will have a course assigned to it. Such is its diversity and ability to respond to the educational needs of the country’s youth. The university has 63 academic departments and research centers and has one of the highest graduation rates in the country. PU has one of the largest libraries of Pakistan with a collection of over 500,000 books. Besides regulating a number of colleges and educational institutes across the province, PU now has operational campuses in Gujranwala, Jhelum and Khanaspur.
Sindh Madressatul Islam University (1885)
One of South Asia’s oldest serving educational institutions, Sindh Madressatul Islam (SMIU) was established in 1885 in Karachi by Hassan Ali Effendi. It was founded as a school and modelled after British public schools of the time. Soon after its establishment, the institute became extremely popular among Muslims of Sindh and Balochistan. The father of the nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, also did his matriculation from this institute in 1892. The madressa remained a school until 1943, after which it was elevated to the level of a college. In 2012 the government of Sindh elevated its status to that of a degree awarding university. The university presently offers four and two-year degrees in business administration, computer science, education, environmental sciences and media studies.
The University of Agriculture (1906)
This public research university was established in 1906 in Faisalabad, Punjab. Once founded, the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) was the first major institution founded for research and higher education in the field of agriculture. It grew in importance as partition of India took place and Pakistan was shaped as a predominantly agricultural country. Over the years, the university has made invaluable contributions to research and development related to crop health and yields. Besides, it has furthered the general promotion of the agriculture sector and its well-being across the country. It ranks among the top five institutes in the country on the basis of research work being carried out. According to 2014 QS World University Rankings, it is among the top 800 universities in the world.
Now a days many programs like Kamyab Nojawan and E- Roozgar Program. These programs will help to the digital transformation in Pakistan It ranks among the top five institutes in the country on basis of research work being carried out. According to 2014 QS World University Rankings, it is among the top 800 universities in the world.
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