Punjab University Senate Approves Major Student Scholarships

The 361st meeting of the Punjab University (PU) Senate was held on Thursday at the historic Senate Hall, located at the Old Campus in Lahore. The important session was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, who presided over the meeting as a representative of the Punjab Governor, who also serves as the Chancellor of the university. The meeting brought together senior officials, faculty members, and other members of the Senate to discuss educational reforms, student welfare, and financial planning.

One of the most significant decisions taken during the meeting was the approval of scholarships worth Rs. 170 million for students. This decision continues Punjab University’s long-standing tradition of providing financial support to deserving and needy students. Over the years, PU has developed a strong reputation for ensuring that education remains accessible to students from all financial backgrounds. The newly approved scholarships will provide relief to thousands of students, helping them continue their studies without interruption.

Another milestone of the meeting was the introduction of Punjab University’s first-ever strategic plan. This comprehensive plan focuses on three key areas: academic reforms, financial management, and administrative improvements. By implementing this strategy, the university hopes to modernize its systems, raise the standard of education, and improve efficiency in governance. This plan is expected to guide the institution’s development for years to come and strengthen its position as one of the leading universities in the region.

During his address to the Senate, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali assured the members that the university remains fully committed to student welfare. He stressed that a majority of PU students already benefit from scholarships, and the administration will not allow financial challenges to force any student to abandon their education. As part of the support package, he announced that every student will receive a subsidy of Rs. 219,000 during this academic year. Furthermore, students who live in hostels will also receive an additional subsidy of Rs. 150,000, making higher education more affordable for families across Pakistan.

In addition to scholarships, the Vice Chancellor revealed plans to establish a special endowment fund. This fund will be dedicated to financing research projects, staff pensions, and development programs. The aim is to ensure long-term sustainability for both academic progress and employee welfare. He also proudly highlighted the university’s efforts to cut costs, noting that Punjab University successfully saved Rs. 240 million on electricity bills in the last eight months by adopting energy-efficient measures. These savings, he explained, are being redirected to benefit students and improve facilities on campus.

The Senate meeting also approved several academic and financial matters. The members gave their approval to the recommendations of the Academic Council, which focus on strengthening academic programs and curriculum development. In addition, the Senate passed the budgets for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, ensuring that the university’s resources are managed effectively for future growth.

By the end of the meeting, it was clear that Punjab University is moving towards a new era of student-centered policies, financial responsibility, and academic excellence. The decisions taken during the 361st Senate meeting underline the university’s dedication to creating a strong foundation for its students and staff, while also adapting to modern educational needs.

READ MORE: PM Laptop Scheme 2025 Relaunched: Students Can Now Check Status Online