By ABDULLAH 
Public sector universities across Punjab are witnessing a sharp and unprecedented decline in student admissions for 2025, with enrollment figures falling by 20% to 30% in many institutions. Education experts warn that the trend signals a deeper crisis in Pakistan’s higher education system, fueled by rising poverty, outdated curricula, and weak job prospects for graduates.
According to official data from the Punjab Higher Education Department, major universities — including Punjab University Lahore, Government College University Faisalabad, and Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan — have all recorded significantly lower-than-expected intakes. Smaller universities in districts such as Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal, and Narowal are facing even greater struggles, with some unable to fill seats in traditionally popular departments.
Table of Contents
For many families, even the comparatively lower tuition fees of public universities have become unaffordable due to inflation. Costs related to hostel accommodation, transportation, books, and living expenses have turned higher education into an unattainable dream for low-income households.
Shamsa Bibi, a resident of a village near Narowal, shared her family’s struggle:
“My son scored well in his intermediate exams, but we cannot afford his university expenses. He is now working in a factory instead.”
Academics also blame the outdated nature of university curricula. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad Ali notes that many programs are still taught in the same format as two decades ago, failing to equip students with the skills demanded by modern employers.
“The job market has evolved, but our degrees have not. Without employable skills, students see little value in investing years in university,” he said.
With the freelancing industry, gig economy, and digital professions on the rise, more young Pakistanis are turning towards short skill-based diplomas, professional certifications, and online courses that promise quicker employment opportunities.
The decline is most pronounced in MPhil and PhD programs, where tuition fees are higher and career opportunities more limited. Faculty members warn that falling postgraduate enrollment could lead to a decline in research output and academic innovation in Punjab.
While some universities have launched new programs in information technology, data science, and business innovation, these efforts are sporadic and lack consistent implementation. Additionally, career counselling services remain scarce, and few universities maintain strong industry linkages to ensure graduates transition smoothly into the job market.
Educationists are urging the government to take immediate measures to address the crisis. Recommended actions include:
- Free or subsidized student transportation
- Expanded scholarships for low-income families
- Reduced entry test fees
- Simplified online admission processes
- Comprehensive curriculum reforms aligned with market needs
Without swift intervention, experts warn that the decline in university admissions could have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s economic growth, research capacity, and skilled workforce development.