Abstract:
This thesis aims to outline a vision for higher education in Pakistan for the year 2047 and
identify the strategic priorities necessary to achieve it. This vision is crucial for national planning
as Pakistan approaches its centennial year, highlighting the vital role higher education plays in
the country's development and progress. The thesis seeks to provide a forward-looking and
effective framework that aligns with national goals and global standards, drawing on a
comprehensive analysis of the current HEC Vision 2025, progress and impact evaluations, and
best practices from around the world. By doing so, it intends to offer actionable insights and
recommendations that will guide the development of higher education in Pakistan over the next
few decades.
The thesis argues that the effectiveness of higher education policies and systems is a function of
how well the inputs and outcomes are aligned. It suggests that outcomes must be integrated
within the foundations of the inputs to achieve the desired results. Guided by the theoretical
frameworks of the knowledge economy and human capital development, the study is informed
by interviews with elites from the higher education sector. This research offers strategic insights
and recommendations to policymakers, educators, and stakeholders, creating a comprehensive
roadmap for the future of higher education in Pakistan.
