LAHORE: University of Engineering and Technology (UET) on Tuesday approved Rs8 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 including an allocation of Rs300 million for upgradation of laboratories, IT infrastructure and research.

UET Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Munir presided over the 133rd meeting of the Finance and Planning Committee.

During the meeting, Treasurer Abid Shahzad Aslam presented the budget estimates for the fiscal year 2026-27.

According to the proposed budget, the university’s projected income stands at Rs8.001 billion, while the estimated expenditure is Rs8.2409 billion, resulting in an estimated budget deficit of Rs239.6 million.

The committee expressed confidence that through prudent financial management, enhanced resource generation, research commercialisation and strategic policy measures, the budget deficit would be gradually reduced in the coming years, placing the university on a stronger path towards long term financial sustainability.

It approved substantial investments to strengthen UET Lahore’s academic, research and technological capabilities. These include Rs80 million for laboratory upgradation, Rs150 million for strengthening IT infrastructure and acquiring advanced digital equipment and Rs72 million in scholarships for financially deserving students.

The allocation for machinery procurement was increased from Rs25 million to Rs125 million, while the budget for new furniture was enhanced from Rs27.8 million to Rs65 million.

Increase in salary and pension for university employees was also approved in accordance with the Punjab government’s policy.

To promote research excellence and innovation, the Finance and Planning Committee approved financial allocations under the Faculty Recognition Policy, including the Faculty Performance Award, Best Article Award, Best Book Award and Highly Cited Researcher Award.

The incentive for faculty members securing approved patents was doubled from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000. In addition, PhD scholars publishing research papers in X category or higher ranked journals will receive a financial assistance of up to Rs50,000 to cover publication charges.

The committee also recommended allocating Rs10m under the Research Commercialis-ation Fund to facilitate UET’s participation in the SBIR Punjab Pilot Trust, a collaborative initiative involving the Punjab Higher Education Commission, the Bank of Punjab and four other universities.

Furthermore, a new incentive mechanism for PhD supervisors was recommended to encourage high quality research supervision and improved research productivity.

The meeting also reviewed proposals regarding semester facilitation charges, degree and transcript verification fees, remuneration for UET academy resource persons and trainers, revisions in various administrative charges and several other financial and administrative matters.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026