- HEC and Sindh HEC foster awareness on rankings, encouraging universities to align with global standards
- ILMA University leads in Pakistan, ranking among global top 50 for sustainability and social impact-driven research
Interview with Syed Kashif Rafi — Registrar and Director, Sustainability, International Linkages & Opportunities at ILMA University
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Syed Kashif Rafi: For the past more than two decades, I’ve built a diverse career, holding various leadership positions, including Registrar and Director, Sustainability, International Linkages & Opportunities at ILMA University, Chief of Strategy & Marketing, Rapido, and Chief Strategy Officer & Managing Partner at Tarbiyat. This versatility has allowed me to contribute across academia, marketing, personal branding, entrepreneurship, and business strategy.
I joined as Advisor, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. Moreover, was selected as Judge for the prestigious International Business Awards hosted by The Stevie Awards. I have been invited to participate in prestigious events such as Vizathon2021, Education Policython, Policy for People & Harvard University, Hack+Policy, Make School, and Grammarly, further cementing his status as a thought leader and industry expert.
My professional memberships reflect my commitment to aligning with industry standards, staying updated on global trends, and networking with influential peers. Through these associations, I engage with contemporary research, marketing trends, and economic developments, enhancing my ability to add value to my projects.
My affiliations reinforce my dedication to fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and professional growth. By participating in groups like the FPCCI Pakistan Finland Business Council and the American Marketing Association, I actively contribute to meaningful discussions that shape our field.
Additionally, my involvement with the FPCCI Standing Committee on Public Relations, the American Economic Association, and Taylor & Francis allows me to stay at the forefront of emerging trends. Ultimately, these connections support my ongoing development and drive my contributions to the industry.
My commitment to sharing knowledge extends beyond the classroom. I’ve spoken at over 200 conferences and events, captivating audiences with my expertise. This dedication to continuous learning and development is further reflected in my memberships in renowned organizations and ongoing pursuit of certifications.
Beyond professional pursuits, I’m deeply passionate about social impact. For over 17 years, I’ve actively contributed to various initiatives with Rotary International, applying my diverse skillset to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Currently serving as Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator Zone 1B (Pakistan-Indonesia-Bangladesh). It’s this dedication to continuous learning, professional excellence, and social responsibility that drives me to make a lasting impact on the world.
PAGE: Could you give your standpoint on the ranking of the Pakistani universities?
Syed Kashif Rafi: The ranking of Pakistani universities serves as a critical indicator of performance, though a nuanced perspective is essential to fully appreciate the value these rankings bring. Rankings like Times Higher Education, QS, or UI GreenMetric offer universal standards that don’t always capture the distinctive contexts of younger universities compared to their long-established counterparts. Support from both the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) is crucial in creating frameworks that reflect a fair and equitable approach, ensuring young institutions have a solid footing alongside century-old universities. My viewpoint on the rankings of Pakistani universities encompasses the following four perspectives:
1- Performance and global benchmarking
Rankings offer an objective measure of how universities in Pakistan align with global standards, which is important for benchmarking. Over the years, Pakistani universities have shown marked improvement in these rankings, which speaks to an increasingly strong commitment to academic excellence and internationalization. Both public and private institutions have prioritised quality enhancements to improve their global standing, aided by HEC and Sindh HEC initiatives that highlight the value of ranking metrics.
2- Social and economic impact
Beyond the numbers, the true value of these rankings lies in the social and economic impact universities make. ILMA University, for example, has achieved commendable rankings, including No. 1 in Sindh and the 2nd Best Private Sector University in Pakistan, and placed among the Top 50 globally for SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 7 (Clean & Affordable Energy). These achievements are testament to the role universities play in addressing societal needs, driving economic impact, and fostering sustainability — a priority for many institutions seeking to align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
3- Awareness and institutional support
Awareness about the importance of ranking metrics has been bolstered by HEC and Sindh HEC’s concerted efforts at both federal and provincial levels. Encouraging universities to participate in rankings and providing institutional support fosters an environment that values progress and accountability. Such awareness helps universities recognise the impact of their initiatives and the areas in which they must strengthen to stay competitive globally.
4- Future directions and long-term goals
While rankings are an important aspect, they are but one part of a university’s broader mission. As academic communities, our focus should extend beyond these metrics to encompass human capital development, research advancement, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, gender equality, and innovation. By prioritising these objectives, Pakistani universities can not only boost their rankings but also contribute significantly to the national and global landscape.
By keeping these perspectives in focus, Pakistani universities are well-positioned to make lasting contributions, enhance their global reputation, and play a transformative role in society’s development. Embracing a well-rounded approach that values ranking metrics as a tool, rather than an end goal, allows universities to retain a balanced view of both immediate accomplishments and long-term aspirations. This approach encourages a deeper commitment to research, innovation, and social responsibility, which collectively define a university’s impact beyond numbers alone.
Furthermore, universities should seek collaborative partnerships — both nationally and internationally — that can amplify their influence and allow them to address complex issues like climate resilience, energy solutions, and educational equity.
By focusing on producing human capital that is equipped for global challenges, Pakistani universities can position themselves as leaders in creating knowledge-driven solutions. Such comprehensive development not only improves rankings but also solidifies their role as institutions of profound societal value, inspiring future generations to contribute meaningfully on both a local and international scale.
PAGE: What are your views about research done in the Pakistani universities?
Syed Kashif Rafi: Research conducted in Pakistani universities has indeed ramped up in terms of publication count and is making strides on the global stage, although it has not yet reached the scale that it could. It is important to acknowledge that while many publications contribute little more than a tally, there are also significant works that have a profound impact in their respective fields.
In my view, we should concentrate our research efforts on publications that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and foster innovations that can propel Pakistan forward. At ILMA University, we have intentionally directed all our research activities towards the UN SDGs, which has led to a measurable impact within international research communities, reflected in increased citations and recognition.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC) are actively working to streamline research processes and grants, tailoring them to better meet the needs of Pakistan and its developmental goals. Furthermore, the surge in research journals being published in Pakistan underscores a growing passion for research among faculty and students alike. Additionally, it is encouraging to note that local industries are increasingly showing interest in research, recognizing its potential to drive innovation and improve practices within their sectors. This collaborative spirit between academia and industry can only strengthen our research landscape and amplify its impact.
Overall, while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully harness the power of research in addressing Pakistan’s unique challenges and opportunities. Moreover, to foster a robust research environment, it is crucial to promote interdisciplinary collaboration that encourages diverse perspectives and solutions. Encouraging partnerships across different fields can lead to innovative approaches that address complex societal issues. This collaboration not only enhances the quality and relevance of research but also prepares students and faculty to tackle real-world challenges with a well-rounded understanding. As we continue to build our research capabilities, a focus on interdisciplinary work will position Pakistani universities as key players in global research initiatives, driving meaningful change both locally and internationally.
PAGE: What is your perspective about the quality of products produced by the Pakistani universities?
Syed Kashif Rafi: Pakistan’s startup ecosystem has shown encouraging growth, positioning the country as an emerging hub for tech-driven innovation in South Asia. With over 800 active startups, the sector drew approximately $284 million in funding in 2023, a substantial rise compared to previous years. Over 40 incubation centers, including the National Incubation Center (NIC) and regional hubs in key cities, are helping foster a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
Government bodies, including the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Sindh, have played a crucial role in promoting this culture of innovation, alongside the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Sindh Higher Education Commission (Sindh HEC), and private initiatives like Ignite, the National Technology Fund. These combined efforts aim to empower students and young entrepreneurs, offering resources and platforms to transform their ideas into sustainable ventures. Despite this progress, university-based Offices of Research, Innovation, and Commercialisation (ORICs) continue to face challenges in turning student projects into viable, market-ready products, with only a small percentage of student-led projects reaching the commercialisation stage.
To address this gap, universities and supporting institutions are intensifying their efforts. The Sindh HEC and the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC), in collaboration with bodies like the National Incubation Center and Ignite, are actively fostering university-industry partnerships, providing early-stage funding, and facilitating project mentorship.
Universities are increasingly implementing accelerator programmes that expose students to practical, industry-driven experiences, enhancing the quality and commercial potential of their projects. Initiatives by Sindh HEC and CIEC are creating avenues for structured funding, mentorship, and industry alignment, equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills and a stronger understanding of market needs. These efforts reflect a growing commitment within Pakistan’s academic institutions to support students in producing innovative, marketable products, positioning the nation’s universities as pivotal players in the country’s tech innovation ecosystem.