EVALUATING THE PARADOX OF ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN PAKISTAN: LIMITED KNOWLEDGE CONTRIBUTION VS. ITS PREDOMINANCE IN FACULTY RECRUITMENT CRITERIA

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of academic research in Pakistan, its tangible contribution to national and global knowledge repositories remains limited. Ironically, the same academic output plays a critical role in determining faculty recruitment, promotion, and tenure in higher education institutions in Pakistan. This qualitative study explores this paradox by investigating the underlying motivations, systemic challenges, and institutional practices that prioritize quantity over quality in research outputs. Using in-depth interviews with university faculty, administrators, and education policy experts, the study reveals structural inefficiencies, performative incentives, and a lack of practical application as major reasons for the gap. The findings highlight the urgent need for reforms in research evaluation frameworks and recruitment policies to align academic pursuits with impactful knowledge generation.