PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has decided that a 10-year strategy (2025-35) will be developed to transform the province’s public sector universities.
He directed the higher education department to come up with a detailed policy document on the universities’ transformation within 21 days for approval by the cabinet, according to an official statement issued here on Tuesday.
It added that the chief minister, as the newly-appointed chancellor of public universities in the province, was spearheading an initiative to modernise higher education institutions academically, administratively, and in the field of research.
“This comprehensive strategy will also provide a roadmap for universities to overcome financial crises and move towards self-sufficiency,” the statement read, adding that the document is expected to include clear, actionable objectives, defined timelines and an effective monitoring mechanism.
Gandapur seeks policy document on it from higher education dept in 21 days
The chief minister emphasised the need for legal, administrative and financial reforms to ensure smooth implementation.
He said key focus areas would include faculty development, financial management, research excellence, governance structures and student outcomes. Also, the strategy will incorporate recommendations from previous committees formed to improve university operations.
To strengthen financial sustainability, the plan will outline revenue generation strategies, cost-cutting measures, and effective asset utilisation. Research initiatives will also be enhanced through high-impact publications, industry-funded research projects, and the establishment of centres of excellence in priority fields, according to the chief minister.
He said the government was keen on improving graduate employability, with concrete proposals to enhance job market integration.
“Faculty development efforts will include regular training programmes and partnerships with international universities.”
The chief minister said as part of the digital transformation agenda, public universities would be encouraged to adopt AI-driven management systems and hybrid online learning platforms.
He said in order to bolster governance and accountability, the plan would introduce key performance indicators for vice-chancellors, a monthly review framework and a University Governance Scorecard.
“This ambitious strategy aims to bring long-term structural improvements to KP’s higher education sector, ensuring universities are well-equipped to meet modern academic and financial challenges,” he said.
Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2025