The landscape of academic research in Pakistan is marred by profound challenges that go beyond students’ limited critical thinking skills. Alongside weaknesses in educational structures, a more alarming problem has emerged: a “research mafia” that manipulates the academic system, undermining its integrity. This situation not only demotivates aspiring researchers but also discourages those genuinely invested in advancing knowledge.

For example, a dedicated student who spends months or even years working on a meaningful research project may witness others who pay for authorship receiving the same or even greater recognition. This disillusionment often drives skilled individuals to abandon their passion for research or even leave the country in pursuit of fairer academic opportunities. This departure represents a personal setback and a substantial loss to Pakistan’s intellectual potential and future growth. When research becomes merely transactional, its power to transform society is diminished, turning what should be a pursuit of knowledge into a race for numbers and prestige.

In Pakistan, research engagement typically begins at the graduate and postgraduate levels. As a result, students often lack early exposure to critical thinking and analytical skills, which limits their ability to conduct meaningful research later on. From a young age, students are conditioned to memorize information rather than engage with it critically, which restricts their ability to develop unique........

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