LAHORE: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah has said that Rs170 million have been allocated to promote research and directed faculty members to utilise research funds for the benefit of the country, society, and the university.

He was addressing the PU Research Grant Award Certificate Distribution Ceremony organised by the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (ORIC) on Thursday. University of Swat Vice Chancellor Dr Dawood Chand, PU Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, ORIC Director Dr Aqil Inam, deans, faculty members, and researchers who received grants attended the event.

The vice chancellor said that Punjab University should reflect collective efforts toward its development and stressed the need to keep students engaged in constructive activities. He said that timely promotion of faculty members was necessary and added that selection board meetings had been scheduled for cases that were complete.

He further said that a pension and endowment fund had been established through savings in departments and increased income sources. He also urged faculty members to seek external research grants.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Inam said that 403 research grants had been approved at Punjab University during the current year.

Earlier, Prof Shah said that teachers play a central role in higher education and that teaching standards should be part of faculty development.

He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the National Outreach Programme for Teachers organised by the Punjab University and the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC’s) National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).

PU Academic Staff Association President Dr Amjad Magsi, NAHE Managing Director Dr Noor Amna, Training Coordinator Dr Sania Zahra, and faculty members were present.

The vice chancellor said that the training programme aims to improve teaching and administrative capacities of faculty members and includes the use of technology in teaching to help develop skills. He said that learning remained necessary at all stages of life.

Dr Amna said that faculty development was among the priorities of HEC. Dr Zahra said that the programme consisted of four weeks and included nine modules.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026