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ISLAMABAD: More than 40 Pakistani universities have made it to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THEWUR) 2026, it emerged this week, with Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad ranking among top 500 global institutions.

The THEWUR annually assesses universities on teaching, research, employability and sustainability. Ranking them enhances a university’s reputation and underscores its academic and global impact.

Pakistani universities that secured a spot in the 601–800 band included Bahauddin Zakariya University, Air University, COMSATS University Islamabad, Government College University Faisalabad, National University of Sciences and Technology, Sukkur IBA University, the University of Lahore and the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore.

“We use 18 carefully calibrated performance indicators to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons, trusted by students, academics, university leaders, industry and governments,” THEWUR said in a statement on Oct. 9.

The 2026 global university rankings feature 2,191 institutions from 115 countries and territories.

Fifteen Pakistani institutions, placed in the 801–1000 band, included Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Capital University of Science and Technology, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Government College

University Lahore, International Islamic University Islamabad, Iqra University, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, University of Central Punjab, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, University of Gujrat, University of Malakand, University of Management and Technology and the University of the Punjab.

Similarly, 10 Pakistani universities were ranked in the 1,001–1,200 band, including Bahria University, Hazara University Mansehra, Institute of Space Technology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Riphah International University, University of Haripur, University of Education Lahore, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, University of Okara and the University of Peshawar. Another eight Pakistani institutions were placed in the 1,201–1,500 category, while six ranked in the 1,501+ band.

ISLAMABAD: �������� and Qatar on Sunday expressed concern over border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to exercise restraint and hold dialogue to lower tensions.

Afghan security forces attacked Pakistani border posts late Saturday in response to what the Taliban government called “repeated violations” of their territory and airspace.

Earlier in the week, Afghan authorities accused Pakistan of an airstrikes in the capital, Kabul, and a market in the country’s east. Pakistan has neither denied nor confirmed the strikes.

The Torkham border crossing, one of two main trade routes between the two countries, did not open on Sunday at its usual time of 8am, following the skirmishes that underscore deepening security tensions between both countries.

“The Kingdom of �������� follows with concern the tensions and clashes witnessed in the border areas between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the State of Afghanistan,” the Saudi foreign ministry said on X.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the escalations and the potential repercussions for the security and stability of the region. It urged both sides to prioritize “dialogue, diplomacy and restraint.”

Pakistan accuses Afghan authorities of harboring members of the banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which Islamabad says carries out deadly attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies the charge and insists it does not allow its territory to be used against other countries.

The TTP, which is a separate group but is viewed by Pakistani officials as an ally of the Afghan Taliban, has been behind some of the deadliest attacks in Pakistan since late 2000s.

On Saturday, the TTP claimed responsibility for deadly attacks in multiple northwestern Pakistani districts that killed 20 security officials and three civilians this week.

“The firing by Afghan forces on civilian population is a blatant violation of international laws,” Pakistani Interior Minister Naqvi said in a statement, shared by the information ministry.