Chairman's Message

“I am honoured to address you as the Chairman of this esteemed association, representing the collective interests and aspirations of private sector universities across our nation. Together, we embark on a journey to shape the future of higher education in Pakistan.”
Prof. Dr. Ch. Abdul Rehman
Founding Chairman

Central Executive Body

VICE CHAIRMAN 

Mr. Sohail Afzal 

Director

Educational Excellence Limited

SECRETARY GENERAL 

Dr. Aurangzeb Khan 

Vice Chancellor 

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Dewan 

University, Karachi

JOINT SECRETARY 

Mr. Muhammad Sabur Sethi 

President 

City University of Science and 

Information Technology,

Peshawar

TREASURER 

Mr. Mian Muhammad Hanif 

Group Chairman

Madina Group of Industries

The University of Faisalabad

Galaxy Broadcasting

SEE SPOKESPERSON 

Mian Imran Masood 

Vice Chancellor 

University of South Asia,

Lahore

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Mr. Murtaza Noor

National Coordinator 

IUCPSS

DIRECTOR COORDINATION 

Dr. Ayesha Zahid 

Director Executive

Superior University

Background

University education is a crucial phase in the lifelong learning journey, offering significant contributions beyond individual growth to the overall advancement of society. It equips people with advanced skills necessary for a diverse range of labor markets and provides essential training for various professionals, including teachers, doctors, engineers, civil servants, scientists, and entrepreneurs. These professionals are the backbone of local economies, support civil society, nurture future generations, contribute to effective governance, and make critical decisions that affect societies globally.

In Pakistan, however, the higher education landscape is marred with multiple challenges comprising inadequacies of legal structure, quality assurance, and linkages with the knowledge economy. The Human Development Index 2023 ranks Pakistan at 164, establishing its low human development. Education forms a critical component of human development and presents far from satisfactory performance from primary to higher education. According to the Education Development Index, Pakistan ranks at the bottom among South Asian countries, sharing this position with Nepal and Bangladesh, and trailing significantly behind Sri Lanka and India. This is evident from gross enrollment ratios and adult literacy rates, which reflect broader educational accessibility issues.

The Economic Survey of Pakistan (2023) reveals that the country’s literacy rate is around 60%, with Punjab at 68%. Pakistan’s educational performance lags behind its regional counterparts in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), affecting the country’s competitiveness in education-related aspects.

Pakistan has 255 universities, including 150 public and 105 private institutions, enrolling approximately 3.5 million students and employing over 130,000 faculty members. However, access to higher education remains limited, with only 9% of the population enrolled in higher education institutions (HEIs). This situation is worsened by a declining GDP allocation to education over the past three years, affecting overall education expenditures.

Political instability and inadequate law implementation further threaten higher education in the country. Universities need to adapt to these challenges through improved governance, transparency, and robust implementation mechanisms. The economic downturn, characterized by inflation exceeding 30%, additional taxes, and reduced economic activity, also impacts the education sector, businesses, and industries, affecting job prospects for graduates.

Despite these challenges, the private higher education sector in Pakistan is evolving rapidly to meet the demand for a skilled and affordable workforce. The private sector plays a crucial role in providing cutting-edge education, expanding access to education, preparing students for the job market, and offering employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for Pakistani youth. However, the growth and service delivery of private sector higher education institutions are still hindered by various bottlenecks. Regulatory bodies such as the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and others must facilitate the private sector’s role in advancing education quality and accessibility.

About APSUP

The Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) was established in 2021 as a pivotal step in the pursuit of a progressing, revamped higher education landscape of the country.

APSUP emerged as an indispensable entity in the wake of a pressing need to address the multifaceted challenges confronting the higher education sector, particularly by the private sector universities.

It is the country’s first representative body dedicated to the cause of private universities. Swiftly after its inception, APSUP garnered membership from 85 private sector universities, inclusive of 31 regional campuses, spanning over all the federal and provincial chapters across Pakistan. APSUP has undertaken a robust and dynamic role in the realm of higher education by addressing, enhancing, and ameliorating the prevailing ground realities.

The endeavours of APSUP are notably concentrated across several domains, including Advocacy, Policy Recommendations, Inclusivity and Networking, International Outreach & Engagement, and most significantly, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives aimed at fostering a profound and lasting social impact on national as well international levels.

The structural framework of APSUP is meticulously delineated, comprising a central executive body and four regional chapters. The Central Executive Body encompasses key positions, such as the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary General, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Spokesperson, Executive Director, and Director of Coordination. In parallel, the regional chapters are configured with designated roles, including Regional President, Vice President, Secretary General, Joint Secretary, and Treasurer.

APSUP’s proactive stance is evident through the convening of numerous meetings, the passage of critical bills, the initiation of policy recommendations, provision of scholarships for Palestinian students, substantial contributions to the rehabilitation process for earthquake-affected communities in Turkiye, the establishment of Pakistan Pavilion at the prestigious EURIE Summit in Istanbul, Turkiye, and a diverse array of initiatives that have catalysed transformative changes within the higher education sector of the nation.

As an indispensable stakeholder within the realm of higher education, APSUP is committed to wholeheartedly cooperating with the current government. Its dedication lies in the pursuit of enhancing access to higher education, elevating academic quality, and aligning educational pursuits with the imperatives of Pakistan’s socio-economic development. APSUP aims to contribute significantly to the nation’s educational landscape and its broader progress.

Vision

Based on collaboration, our vision is to establish a thriving ecosystem of private sector universities in Pakistan, renowned for their academic excellence, innovation, and societal impact. We envision a future where private universities play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, offering diverse and affordable programs that meet the needs of students and the job market. Through strategic partnerships, research advancements, and continuous improvement, we aim to position private universities as key contributors to national development, producing graduates who are ethical leaders, critical thinkers, and catalysts for positive change in Pakistan and beyond.

Mission

To empower private universities, advocate for their interests, and enhance education quality, accessibility, and relevance. We unite institutions, influence policies, and foster collaborations for holistic development, preparing graduates for the challenges of the 21st century in Pakistan.

APSUP Structure

To empower private universities, advocate for their interests, and enhance education quality, accessibility, and relevance. We unite institutions, influence policies, and foster collaborations for holistic development, preparing graduates for the challenges of the 21st century in Pakistan.

This chapter is dedicated to the private sector universities in Punjab. It is led by an elected president who plays a pivotal role in championing the interests of universities in this region.

Covering both Sindh and Balochistan, this chapter is instrumental in addressing the needs of private sector universities in these areas. The elected president serves as a dedicated advocate for universities in these regions.

The Islamabad chapter is responsible for private sector universities located in the federal capital. Its elected president is committed to promoting the welfare of these institutions.

The KP chapter focuses on the private sector universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its elected president works diligently to represent and advance the concerns of these institutions.

Balochistan Chapter Balochistan Chapter of APSUP stands as a unifying force, bringing together private sector universities from across the Balochistan. We collaborate to foster excellence in education and advocate for policies that empower our institutions to flourish. Together, we strive to shape the future of higher education in the federal territory by sharing best practices […]