LAHORE: The Punjab University’s (PU’s) 15 subjects were internationally ranked in the latest QS World Universities Ranking of subjects on Wednesday.

In the latest QS subject-wise international ranking, the newly-added subjects included theology, divinity, religious studies and engineering and technology, which were ranked 101-130 and 451-500. The PU also retained its position in the subject of petroleum engineering which has been ranked among the world’s top 101-150 institutions.

According to QS ranking data, the PU has improved its subject-wise ranking as compared to 2021 rankings i.e. agriculture and forestry 251-300, previously 301-350; physics and astronomy 351-400, previously 401-450; natural sciences 401-450, previously 451-500; computer science and information system 451-500, previously 501-550; social sciences and management 451-500, previously 501-520; business and management studies 401-450, previously 451-500. The PU retained its outstanding positions in other subjects, including pharmacy and pharmacology 251-300, mathematics 401-450, environmental sciences 401-450, biological sciences 451-500, chemistry 451-500 while it has been ranked 401-410 in chemical engineering.

PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad said the administration introduced several reforms and for the first time, its 15 subjects were ranked in international subject-wise ranking.

He said the PU also improved its ranking in several subjects as compared to the previous year, which is an extraordinary achievement.

He said that improved its international ranking by 16 percent and the 232nd position was secured in QS Asian rankings while in 2021, and 145th university in Asia.

He said that Nature Publishing also declared Punjab University No 1 in natural sciences, adding that a model of good governance, transparency and merit was introduced in all operations of the university and it was reflected in an extraordinary improvement in the international ranking of the university.

He said that all statutory bodies of the university had been made functional for the first time as per the requirement of the university calendar.

He said that through the restructuring of the university, maximum opportunities had been provided by the administration to all senior faculty members and staff to excel and work for improvement in the international ranking of the PU.

He said that the university administration had also focused on resolving socio-economic issues through research.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2022