LAHORE: Provincial Minister for School and Higher Education Rana Sikandar Hayat says the government will introduce the first commercial policy for universities after approval from the cabinet and funding for universities will also be increased this year to help them address their financial difficulties.

He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of a water filtration plant at the School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, on Monday.

Mr Hayat said the PU’s financial stability had improved over the past two years, claiming that the university’s revenue had increased by 1,200pc due to the efforts of its vice chancellor who had largely overcome its financial deficit.

The minister said that launching welfare initiatives through public-private partnerships was a positive step and added that access to clean drinking water was an excellent facility for students, teachers and staff.

PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah said the university would complete every project aimed at the welfare and well-being of its teachers, employees and students.

The water filtration plant has been set up with the support of Savour Foods whose CEO Muhammad Naeem said the company would be responsible for maintenance of the plant and would continue welfare initiatives for students at PU.

Director of the School of Chemistry Dr Adeel Afzal, Director of the Skills Development Centre Dr Imtiaz Shafiq and faculty members were present.

Published in Dawn, August 25th, 2026