Sargodha University matches LUMS in latest rankings: Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat

Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat has hailed a significant improvement in the academic standing of public sector universities, announcing that the University of Sargodha (UoS) has achieved a ranking equivalent to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) this year

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2026) Punjab Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat has hailed a significant improvement in the academic standing of public sector universities, announcing that the University of Sargodha (UoS) has achieved a ranking equivalent to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) this year.

According to a press release issued by the UoS spokesperson, the minister made these remarks while speaking to a private television channel on Friday. He termed the achievement a testament to the provincial government’s commitment to raising the standard of public education.

The minister stated that the UoS, a state-funded institution, reaching the same tier as a premier private university like LUMS marks a historic milestone for Punjab. He attributed the success to the visionary leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

“This is something for which we must give full credit to Madam Chief Minister,” he said, adding that the improvement in rankings reflects her government’s policy of merit-based appointments and the induction of competent, professional leadership in educational institutions.

Rana Sikandar also commended UoS Vice Chancellor Qaisar Abbas for his dedication and leadership. He noted that under Prof Dr Qaisar Abbas, the university has undergone a transformative phase, with a strong focus on research excellence and academic discipline—factors he described as instrumental in achieving the prestigious ranking.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to higher education reforms, the minister said efforts would continue to strengthen public universities and enhance their competitiveness at both national and international levels.