23/09/2026
Two Years of Measurable Change at Punjab University | 2024–2026
On 23 September 2024, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali (T.I., S.I.) assumed charge as Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab. Over the past two years, the University has undertaken wide-ranging initiatives spanning academic growth, research, student support, financial management, governance, digital transformation, campus security, sports and protection of University assets.
The University's two-year overview documents progress across below areas.
📚 Growing Trust & Academic Opportunities
Fall admissions increased from 11,112 in 2025 to 14,126 in 2026 (still going on till 28.9.26), while the latest admission campaign attracted 147,913 applications, including 113,185 finalized applications. PU is now offering 209 undergraduate programmes/admission options across a diverse range of faculties and campuses.
🤖 Digital Transformation & Student Facilitation
For the first time, PU introduced a 24/7 Admission Assistant Chatbot to facilitate prospective students. Chatbot reported 115,915 conversations served in a 65-day period, demonstrating the scale at which digital tools are being used to improve student access and communication. This complements digitisation of affiliation records, the online affiliation portal, digital hostel allotment and other technology-driven services highlighted in the two-year record.
🔬 Research & Academic Excellence
PU secured Rs. 56.89 million in HEC NRPU funding across six research projects, restored Research Incentive Awards and continued selection boards and academic activities. PU's stood No. 1 position in Pakistan in the Nature Index Current Index by Research Output Share for March 2025–February 2026.
🎓 Supporting Students & Expanding Access
According to records 14,000+ scholarships involving more than PKR 500 million in total disbursements supported meritorious and financially deserving students through university, public-sector, international, corporate and private-sector support.
🏛️ Expansion & Revenue Generation
During the period, 35 new colleges—10 public and 25 private—were affiliated with PU bringing the total to more than 400 affiliated colleges. Revenue from affiliated colleges increased from Rs. 6.77 crore to Rs. 14.22 crore, while affiliation records were digitised and an online affiliation portal was launched.
💰 Financial Discipline & Energy Management
The University's reported deficit moved from Rs. 2.86 billion in 2023–24 to a working deficit of Rs. 1.67 billion in 2025–26. Energy interventions resulted in an estimated 5 million electricity units avoided by June 2026, representing an estimated avoided electricity burden of Rs. 286 million. Almost more than 600 kW solar PV systems were also inaugurated at various institutes of PU.
🏫 Governance, Hostels & Campus Security
Administrative measures included one-account oversight, rotation of heads, one-person-one-post, transparent asset management and hostel regulation.
Student accommodation and access were further strengthened through merit-based hostel allotment, biometric entry and expanded facial-recognition access, alongside the conversion of two boys' hostels for women.
🏆 Sports Achievement
In sports, PU was awarded HEC Intervarsity General Trophy 2024–25 and placed PU as 1st overall in the presented university sports ranking, with 18 combined points from men's and women's competitions.
🌳 Protecting Punjab University's Land & Assets
A significant institutional focus has also been placed on protecting PU's physical assets. University land worth billions of rupees was recovered from encroachment at both the Old Campus and New Campus, restoring valuable property to the University. The two-year overview separately identifies recovery of University land as part of campus stewardship and institutional responsibility.
These initiatives present a picture of an institution pursuing change across multiple fronts—from classrooms and laboratories to finances, technology, hostels, sports, security and protection of University assets.
As Punjab University enters the next phase, the University's own identified priorities include sustainable public funding, pension and reserve sustainability, accessible revenue pathways, quarterly financial transparency and continued rule-based institutional renewal.
Two Years. Measurable Change.
Knowledge. Character. A Brighter Pakistan.
