DPM/FM Dar calls for outcome-oriented higher education

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Monday, emphasised that higher education must deliver strong outcomes in employability, innovation and research impact, equipping graduates for both domestic and global opportunities.

The DPM/FM chaired a meeting on establishing new federal and provincial universities and reviewing draft bills for university charters, the DPM Office said in a press release.

He also stressed the need to modernise the framework to ensure new educational institutions meet international standards of quality education and research excellence.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, secretary education, HEC leadership, Rector NUST and senior officials from the relevant ministries.

During the meeting, it was noted that the 2002 criteria for establishing universities was outdated and no longer aligned with current academic, research and market needs.

It was decided that HEC would revise the criteria for establishing universities by 1st of June 2026 and all pending cases would be evaluated under the updated framework once finalised.

The discussion also covered university performance, disciplines, global rankings and the importance of prioritising fields in demand internationally.