HEC PhD Scholars: A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Research Landscape

By: Hashir Hassan 

Intern – GDAP Summer Program 2025

Pakistan’s higher education sector has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and one of the strongest indicators of that progress is the number of doctoral scholars. According to the HEC PhD Directory, more than 32,640 PhDs are currently recognized across 119 universities in the country.

This massive pool of scholars reflects Pakistan’s commitment to advancing research, building intellectual capital, and contributing to global knowledge. But a closer look at the data also reveals some interesting patterns — and challenges — that deserve attention.

Where Are the PhDs Coming From?

A handful of universities dominate Pakistan’s PhD output. Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad leads the way, followed by University of Punjab Lahore and University of Karachi. Other institutions like the University of Agriculture Faisalabad also rank high, showing the strong role of agriculture in the country’s research focus.

What Fields Are Leading?

In terms of disciplines, Chemistry has produced the most PhDs overall. But in the last five years, the picture has shifted: Mathematics has taken the lead, followed by Islamic Studies and Education. This suggests evolving academic priorities, with both STEM and social sciences playing vital roles in Pakistan’s research ecosystem.

Supervisors: The Backbone of Research

Supervisors play a crucial role in shaping doctoral research. Data shows that among those who reported their status, 85% are HEC-approved supervisors. However, many records are incomplete, making it difficult to capture the full picture. Still, prominent figures like Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman stand out for their contributions in mentoring future scholars.

PhDs Over Time: Growth and Decline

The trend over time is striking. In 2006, Pakistan produced only 53 PhDs. By 2019, that number had surged to 2,739 — a huge leap in just over a decade.

But since 2020, the trend has reversed. In 2021, 2,696 PhDs were recorded, followed by 980 in 2022, just 12 in 2023, and only 5 so far in 2025. The sharp drop raises important questions: is it a data reporting issue, or are fewer scholars completing their PhDs? Either way, it signals a need for deeper investigation.

Why This Matters

The story of HEC PhD Scholars is both one of growth and caution. On the one hand, Pakistan has built a strong foundation of researchers across diverse fields. On the other, incomplete data on supervisors and the recent decline in PhD output highlight gaps that policymakers and universities must address.

PhDs are not just academic milestones — they are investments in the country’s future, driving innovation, research, and knowledge-based growth. Understanding where we stand today is the first step toward building a stronger tomorrow.