PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Peshawar has once again achieved a major milestone by securing the highest score among universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) annual ORIC validation exercise. The university also secured second position nationwide in the category of Medical and Health Sciences universities, further strengthening its reputation as one of the country’s leading research-driven institutions.

Despite being a specialised medical university with a focused academic mandate, KMU’s remarkable performance reflects the high quality of research, innovation, and academic excellence being promoted at the institution. This is not the first time KMU has earned such distinction; the university secured the top position in the province in 2023 and remained among the leading institutions in 2024 under the visionary leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Zia Ul Haq, an internationally recognised researcher and academician.

Strengthens reputation as outstanding research institution

Prof. Zia Ul Haq attributed the success to the dedicated efforts of the ORIC team and the commitment of KMU faculty members and researchers. He said the university has consistently prioritised research through the provision of dedicated infrastructure, supportive policies and incentives for quality scholarly work by both faculty and students.

Director ORIC KMU, Dr. Zohaib Khan, thanked the vice chancellor for his continued support in strengthening the research culture at the university. He highlighted that the KMU was currently undertaking internationally funded research projects in the fields of Tuberculosis, Mental Health, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Health.

He further shared that KMU recently celebrated the 200th meeting of its Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB), reflecting the university’s strong commitment to postgraduate and student-led research. Both Prof. Zia Ul Haq and Dr. Zohaib Khan reiterated KMU’s resolve to further promote research excellence and extend collaboration and support to sister universities across the province.

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2026