The main theme of this study was to analyze the leadership role in developing sustainability in Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Pakistan. The nature of the research was descriptive; as a consequence, the study's data was gathered using a rating scale. The targeted population consisted of all faculty members and administration from Southern Punjab Universities, which were included in the Time Ranking of Higher Education in 2022. A random sampling technique was used to specify the sample. Data was assembled via a questionnaire and a checklist. For the collection of quantitative data, a questionnaire was intended on two factors, i.e. Leadership role (LR) and Sustainable development (SD). According to findings a strong relationship between leadership and sustainable development exists. The study recommended that additional funding should be provided to higher education institutes to work on sustainable projects.

Keywords: Leadership, Sustainable Development, Higher Education, Governance, Southern Punjab, Time Ranking of Higher Education.