LAHORE: (Thursday, July 09, 2026): The 1761st meeting of the Punjab University Syndicate was held under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali to consider the University's budget estimates for the financial year 2026-27. The Syndicate recommended to the Senate the approval of a budget of Rs20.87 billion. The University will provide subsidies and scholarships worth Rs10 billion from government grants, its own resources, and other funding sources to ensure that students from all segments of society have greater access to quality higher education. On the directions of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, the Syndicate recommended enhancing scholarships and student subsidies to further reduce the financial burden on students and their families. The University has allocated Rs341 million from its own resources for scholarships. In addition, students will continue to benefit from financial assistance under the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship schemes, and the Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF). As a result of the financial reforms introduced by the University administration, Punjab University has recorded a significant reduction in its budget deficit for the first time. The budget deficit for the financial year 2025-26 has been reduced to Rs1.6 billion, compared with Rs2.2 billion in the previous year. The Syndicate members appreciated the University's prudent financial management and austerity measures. On the instructions of the Vice Chancellor, the Syndicate also approved the allocation of Rs284 million as research grants to further strengthen the University's research culture, improve its international rankings, and support research that contributes to the country's socio-economic development. Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali expressed confidence that the University's budget deficit would be eliminated in the coming years. He said the University would focus on expanding its revenue streams rather than relying on borrowing and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the University's Endowment Fund. The University is expected to receive a Rs786 million grant from the Government of Punjab. According to the salient features of the proposed budget, students with disabilities will continue to receive free education and free hostel accommodation, while students admitted on sports quotas will be provided free education. Tuition fees for Huffaz-e-Quran will also remain waived. Furthermore, students will continue to receive subsidies worth billions of rupees in the areas of education, hostel accommodation, transportation, electricity, and other student welfare facilities. The Syndicate also approved the recommendations of the Selection Board and various other statutory bodies.