Explanation

According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad is ranked as the No. 1 university in Pakistan.

QAU is placed within the 401–500 band globally

List of Top Universities of Pakistan in 2026

1.  Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad
2. .National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad
3. Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS),
4. University of the Punjab (PU),
5. COMSATS University Islamabad
6. Pakistan Institute of Engineering & Applied Sciences (PIEAS)
7. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) .
8. UET Lahore
9. Aga Khan University (AKU), Karac
10. Government College University (GCU), Lahore

Last updated by NS on 06 May 2026

Explanation

• Islamic University Islamabad is a major Islamic educational institution in Pakistan.
• Located in Sector H-10, Islamabad, the campus covers 704 acres.
• Foundation laid on Muharram 1, 1401 Hijri.
• Established in 1980 and restructured in 1985.
• The university focuses on Islamic studies, modern sciences, and research.
• President: Nauman Bhai
• Rector: Masoom Yasinzai

Last verified on 01-04-2026

Explanation

The largest university in Pakistan is Punjab University.

It was established in 1882.

It is the oldest higher learning institution in the country.

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) is the largest in terms of area, with a campus spanning 2,550 acres. 

Explanation

AKU was Founded in 1983 as Pakistan's first private university.

The Aga Khan University is an international.

It was founded by Prince Aga Khan IV the university expanded to:

Kenya

Tanzania

Uganda

the United Kingdom

Afghanistan.

Explanation

• The Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College was founded by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan in 1875, initially as a primary school, with the intention of turning it into a college-level institution.
• In 1877, the school was raised to college level.
• Lord Lytton, the Viceroy of India at the time, laid the foundation stone of the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAO College) on January 8, 1878. The college was later upgraded to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in 1920.