DefinePK

Abstract

World university league tables have emerged as powerful forces in the shaping of higher education institutions throughout the world. In Pakistan, these rankings are increasingly used for universities’ quality assurance (QA), policy priorities and the allocation of resources. This article explores how the global rankings are shaping the QA policies and practices in Pakistani universities and the contradictions between global and national (HEC) criteria and their impact at the institutional and academic levels. A qualitative, multi-case study approach was employed. Semi structured interviews of 15 higher education senior management (VCs, Registrars, QEC Directors) of 4 public and private Pakistani universities were conducted. The data were thematically analyzed for patterns and themes. Outcomes show that international rankings now occupy strategic space in the context of leadership KPIs and resource allocation. Ranking-maniacal reforms have warped QA priorities, research imperatives, and data disclosures. But these changes also produce conflicts with HEC norms, administrative overhead, faculty strain, and possible “mission drift” away from teaching and community service. Universities now need to reconcile between competitive in the global markets and the local needs of education. In Pakistan, being able to sustain quality assurance in Higher Education, a globally and locally responsive strategy which should be adopted in harmony, with a better research, innovative teaching and, society collaboration. The paper advocates for context-based QA approaches, stakeholder involvement, and lean compliance processes.