LAHORE: To improve higher education in Pakistan, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) has approved the second revision of PC-I for the strengthening of academic and research programmes at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, with a total allocation of Rs4.15 billion.
The approval was granted at a CDWP meeting chaired by the Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal two days ago.
The project was originally approved under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) in 2015-16 at a cost of Rs976.53 million, with a planned completion by July 2019. However, the project has since undergone two revisions, with the cost escalating to Rs3.45 billion in the 1st revision and now reaching Rs4.15 billion in the 2nd revision.
The implementation timeline has been extended to June 2029, a cumulative gestation period of nearly 13 years. The 2nd revision introduces significant new scope, including the School of Economics (Rs439.45 million) and a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) at a cost of Rs29.305 million.
The project now encompasses four major components: the Institute of Energy & Environmental Engineering (IEEE), the Departments of Digital Media and Development Communication, the Department of Film & Broadcasting, and the School of Economics.
The physical scope of the project is substantial, covering approximately 165,907 sq ft of new academic infrastructure. This includes 90,824 sq ft for the IEEE and 75,083 sq ft for the School of Economics’ Phase-I academic building.
Key deliverables include 20 teaching and research laboratories with 277 specialised equipment items for the IEEE, 14 smart classrooms, four lecture theatres, and 10 laboratories for Digital Media and Development Communication, seven smart classrooms, two lecture theatres, a TV studio, and a multipurpose cinema hall for Film & Broadcasting, and a new Learning Resource Centre/library, research laboratories, and a data centre for the School of Economics. The project also provides for 40 new faculty members for the IEEE and 25 faculty positions each for the three departments under the School of Communication.
According to the project’s Key Performance Indicators, student enrollment capacity is projected to expand from a baseline of 2,339 to 5,520 students across the targeted departments. This includes capacity for 1,830 students at the IEEE alone, with 80 PhD students and 150 certificate course students at any given time. The initiative aims to produce a new generation of skilled engineers, scientists and media professionals. It is designed to strengthen research and innovation capacity, upgrade laboratories with specialized scientific equipment, and foster stronger academia-industry linkages. For the School of Economics, the project will help address the current student-teacher ratio of 1:52, which exceeds national benchmarks.
PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah said the approval marks a significant step towards further strengthening the academic and research infrastructure of the university.
He said the project is aimed at upgrading the university’s core research capabilities, strengthening academic programmes, improving research facilities, and creating an enhanced environment for advanced teaching, learning, and research.
He said the revised allocation of Rs4.15 billion will provide important financial support for the implementation of the project and would help achieve its objectives of developing modern academic and research infrastructure.
He said the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and the Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives had extended cooperation.
Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026
