LAHORE, March 11: The Punjab University's Institute of Art and Design and the pharmacy department have been upgraded as constituent colleges. Governor Khalid Maqbool formally opened the upgraded colleges on the Old Campus on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, he urged faculty of both the colleges to fulfil the needs of the industry and society. He said 10,000 additional seats would be created in universities.

He expressed the hope that the Punjab University would produce quality artists and pharmacists. He said the newly-launched Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD programmes would promote the education of pharmacy.

The governor said the universities should work from 8am to midnight to ensure that students had ample time to use facilities for research and gaining theoretical knowledge.

He also called to create environment in universities conducive to academic activities. Appreciating the architecture of the Old Hall, the governor suggested that it should be made a living museum.

Vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood announced the delivery of 50 computers for the College of Art and Design besides construction of a new block on its campus. The VC said the university had taken a lead in co-curricular activities by winning all the Madr-i-Millat awards announced by the Punjab government.

It also lifted the all-round champions trophies by winning 26 gold medals in both men and women categories in the first Pakistan Universities Games held in Islamabad.

Earlier, College of Art and Design principal Prof Shahnawaz Zaidi and College of Pharmacy principal Prof Dr Jamshaid briefed the governor on the history, infrastructure, courses offered and future plans of their colleges. A large number of students, faculty members and stakeholders from the industry attended the ceremony.