A total of 52 Pakistani universities have been included in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, highlighting the country’s growing academic focus on sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the latest rankings released on June 24, the University of Lahore emerged as Pakistan’s top-performing institution, securing a global position in the top 100 (rank 71). This marks a major milestone, making it the first Pakistani university to enter the top 100 in the sustainability-focused rankings.
The rankings assessed 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories, evaluating their performance in research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching aligned with the SDGs. Pakistan was among only nine countries with more than 50 universities represented.
Other leading Pakistani institutions, including Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (Rahim Yar Khan), MNS University of Agriculture Multan, and Superior University, were placed in the 301–400 band.
Prominent institutions such as NED University of Engineering and Technology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Bahria University, Air University, and the University of Karachi also featured across various ranking bands, reflecting broad participation from both public and private universities.
Globally, the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom secured the top position, followed by Griffith University in Australia. The report also noted that the Philippines had the highest number of ranked institutions, with 160 universities included.
The THE Sustainability Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contribution to SDGs, requiring participation in SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and at least three additional SDGs to qualify for overall ranking.
Education experts say the strong representation of Pakistani universities highlights increasing awareness of sustainability, research impact, and global academic engagement within the country.
