In a major push to reform higher education across Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a detailed meeting focused on raising academic standards, strengthening governance, and boosting global partnerships. The session brought forward several important decisions aimed at transforming colleges and universities into more competitive and accountable institutions.

During the meeting, the Higher Education Department presented a comprehensive briefing, following which it was decided that three universities (Government College University, Government College for Women University, and the University of Engineering and Technology) will be developed as model campuses. These institutions will serve as blueprints for academic quality and infrastructure improvements across the province.

Officials revealed that international interest in Punjab’s education sector is growing, with universities from the UK, South Korea, and Kazakhstan exploring the possibility of setting up campuses in the province. Institutions such as the University of London, Brunel University, and the University of Leicester were named among those in discussions. The Chief Minister welcomed this development, emphasizing its potential to uplift the province’s academic image globally.

Among other decisions was the establishment of College Management Councils to improve oversight and governance in public colleges. A performance-based evaluation system using Key Performance Indicators will also be introduced, aimed at measuring faculty effectiveness and improving accountability at the leadership level in universities.

A special report has been ordered on underperforming colleges, which will help identify problem areas and enforce corrective measures. The formation of an Education Vigilance Squad was approved to conduct surprise visits and monitor critical aspects like student attendance, faculty engagement, cleanliness, and overall discipline on campuses.

Updates were shared on the CM Punjab Talented Scholarship and Laptop Scheme, which has already attracted over 19,000 applications. The Chief Minister instructed relevant departments to ensure greater accessibility and transparency in the program’s rollout.

Discussions also included the upcoming Higher Education Strategic Plan (2025–2029), which will focus on modernizing teaching approaches, encouraging research, integrating digital learning tools, and promoting knowledge-sharing across institutions.

To support long-term reforms, a proposal for granting greater institutional autonomy and improving governance frameworks was also endorsed. Additionally, the Chief Minister gave preliminary approval for organizing Punjab’s first Higher Education Conference, aimed at addressing systemic challenges and promoting collaborative solutions among academic leaders.