Criticism of Higher Education System in Pakistan

Updated: 12:22 PM PKT — June 3, 2026

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has refuted social media reports claiming its database was hacked and sensitive data was leaked. An HEC spokesperson declared the news to be false, misleading, and baseless.

Following an immediate investigation by its Cyber Security Operations Center, the commission confirmed that the data circulating online is not part of the HEC’s degree attestation or verification system. The HEC assured the public that its database and verification systems are completely secure and appealed against the spread of unverified rumors.

Updated: 6:45 AM PKT — June 3, 2026

The Federal Budget for FY 2026-27 has drawn criticism for its stark prioritization of social welfare over education, allocating Rs. 722.48 billion to the Benazir Income Support Programme against just Rs. 41.7 billion for education. This 17-to-1 ratio has fueled a debate on whether the government is addressing the symptoms of poverty with cash transfers rather than investing in education as a long-term cure to eliminate its root causes.

A key proposal to improve educational quality without massive expenditure involves strengthening teacher training. While the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) is effectively equipping university faculty with modern skills, its programs are not formally linked to career progression. Experts are urging the government to connect NAHE training with faculty promotions, inductions, and incentives, arguing this would create a powerful, self-sustaining engine for academic excellence and improve student outcomes nationwide.