Research culture in Pakistan’s Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Examining the consequences of publication driven policies

This study examines the evolution of research policies and practices in Pakistani universities following the establishment of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in 2002 to regulate Pakistan's higher education sector. While these reforms have significantly increased academic publications, they have sparked debate on their impact on the broader academic landscape and the future of scientific research. This study investigates HEC’s publication-centric policies and their influence on the research culture within Pakistani universities, with a particular focus on the implications for the higher education sector as perceived by faculty members. Followed by a series of interviews, a survey was conducted from 102 academics, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analysis, suggests that the singular focus on publication quantity in faculty evaluation and career progression foster unintended consequences, including faculty dissatisfaction and unethical practices. These findings raise questions on higher education's future in Pakistan and offer insights for policymakers, university leaders, and accreditation bodies, underscoring the need for policies that encourage a more holistic and ethical research culture in higher education.