Bureau Report
Peshawar: Vice Chancellors, Rectors and senior academic leaders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gathered at CECOS University, Peshawar, on 4 November 2026 for a regional roundtable ahead of the 7th Rectors’ Conference. The conference is organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) and will be held on 11-13 December.
Under the theme “Redefining Success,” participants asked what it truly means for a university to succeed. The conference working paper acknowledges Pakistan’s progress: 278 universities, about 2.39 million students, and 18 institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2027. However, it argues that rankings, publications and employability are not enough. Universities should also be judged by what their graduates become and what they contribute to society.
Drawing on the Qur’anic concept of falah, the framework outlines a pathway from belief to character, leadership (amanah), institutions and, ultimately, civilization.
Discussions centered on four questions: assessing character development, nurturing ethical leaders, strengthening trust and accountability without waiting for regulatory reform, and partnering with government and industry to boost employment, innovation and national development.
The event was hosted by CECOS University’s leadership and attended by heads of universities, quality and research directors, and representatives of the Higher Education Department and the Higher Education Commission.
