A total of 52 Pakistani universities have secured positions in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, highlighting the country’s growing contribution to sustainable development, research, and global academic engagement.
Among them, The University of Lahore (UOL) emerged as Pakistan’s highest-ranked institution, achieving 71st place globally and becoming the first Pakistani university to enter the world’s top 100 in the sustainability-focused rankings.
Pakistan Strengthens Global Presence
The THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, released on June 24, assessed 1,646 universities from 116 countries and territories based on their contributions toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Pakistan ranked among only nine countries with more than 50 universities represented in this year’s global rankings.
University of Lahore Leads Pakistan
The University of Lahore recorded Pakistan’s strongest performance by securing a place among the Top 100 universities worldwide.
The achievement reflects the university’s performance across areas such as:
- Sustainability initiatives
- Research impact
- Community engagement
- Teaching
- Institutional stewardship
Top-Ranked Pakistani Universities
The highest-ranked Pakistani institutions are:
| Global Ranking Band | University |
|---|---|
| Top 100 | University of Lahore |
| 301–400 | Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan |
| 301–400 | MNS University of Agriculture, Multan |
| 301–400 | Superior University |
Universities Ranked in the 401–600 Band
The following universities were placed in the 401–600 category:
- Iqra University
- Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
- NED University of Engineering and Technology
- University of Education, Lahore
- University of Faisalabad
- University of Kotli (AJK)
- University of Poonch, Rawalakot
- University of Wah
- Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Bagh
Universities Ranked in the 601–800 Band
Institutions in this category include:
- Air University
- Bahria University
- Dow University of Health Sciences
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology
- Government College Women University Sialkot
- Rawalpindi Medical University
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
- The Women University Multan
- University of Central Punjab
- University of Gujrat
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore
- Ziauddin University
Universities Ranked in the 801–1000 Band
The universities placed in this group are:
- Bahauddin Zakariya University
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University
- Minhaj University Lahore
- Quaid-i-Azam University
- Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University
- Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
- Sukkur IBA University
- University of Management and Technology
Universities Ranked in the 1001–1500 Band
Pakistani institutions in this category include:
- Beaconhouse National University
- City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar
- Dawood University of Engineering and Technology
- Green International University Lahore
- Institute of Business Management
- International Islamic University Islamabad
- Iqra National University
- Lahore Garrison University
- Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology
- Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University
- Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University
- Sindh Madressatul Islam University
- SZABIST University
- University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- University of Karachi
Universities Ranked 1501+
The following universities were included in the 1501+ band:
- Rashid Latif Khan University
- Shaheed Allah Buksh Soomro University of Art, Design and Heritages
- The Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur
How THE Sustainability Rankings Work
Unlike traditional university rankings that focus primarily on research or teaching, the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To qualify for the overall rankings, institutions must submit data for:
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (mandatory)
- At least three additional Sustainable Development Goals
Universities are assessed across four key areas:
- Research
- Teaching
- Stewardship
- Community outreach
Global Highlights
In the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026:
- University of Manchester (United Kingdom) ranked 1st globally.
- Griffith University (Australia) secured 2nd place.
- The Philippines recorded the highest national representation, with 160 universities included.
