The Higher Education Commission (HEC) shared these about these concerns in a written reply to the National Assembly.

The commission said that federal funding for universities has not increased since 2018–19, even though student enrolment, faculty numbers, and overall costs have continued to rise every year.

HEC stated that this long freeze in funds is damaging universities’ financial stability.

It has warned that many institutions may be forced to raise tuition fees, which could reduce student enrolment and make higher education even harder for underprivileged families to access.

The commission also revealed that development grants have been slashed by 35%, falling from Rs61,100,000,000 in FY 2024–25 to Rs39,500,000,000 in 2025–26. This cut has already reduced scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui shared these details while responding to questions from MNA Anjum Aqeel.

He further added that Pakistan currently runs 27 foreign scholarship programs in partnership with international universities, offering study opportunities from bachelor’s to postdoctoral levels.

Economic experts say the government is focusing more on road and infrastructure projects instead of healthcare and education. They warn that this approach may create deeper long-term problems for the country.

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In reply to another question, the minister said Pakistan’s population reached 241.49 million in the 2023 census, with an annual growth rate of 2.55% between 2017 and 2023. During the same period, the literacy rate increased only from 58.9% to 60.7%, a rise of just 1.8%. The minister said this slow progress in literacy, compared to rapid population growth, is a major obstacle to achieving national education goals.