Islamabad:Eighteen Pakistani universities have secured positions in the QS World University Rankings 2027, reflecting the growing international recognition of the country's higher education sector, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training.

According to the HEC briefing, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, secured 381st position, while the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, ranked 384th, placing both institutions among the world's top 500 universities.

A total of 11 Pakistani universities secured positions among the world's top 1,000 institutions.

These include Quaid-i-Azam University, NUST, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), University of the Punjab, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, COMSATS University Islamabad, Government College University Faisalabad, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, Aga Khan University and University of Peshawar.

The HEC has also constituted a Committee on International University Rankings to improve the global standing and competitiveness of Pakistani universities.

The committee will engage with universities, examine international ranking methodologies and performance indicators, identify challenges affecting institutional performance and recommend strategies to improve their global rankings.

The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity, promote academic excellence and enhance the international visibility of Pakistan's higher education institutions.