LAHORE: (Monday, August 24, 2026): Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan said that, following approval from the Cabinet, the government will introduce the first commercial policy for universities. He added that funding for universities will also be increased this year to help address their financial difficulties. He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of a water filtration plant at the School of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, established with the support of Savour Foods here on Monday. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, Savour Foods CEO Muhammad Naeem, Director of the School of Chemistry Dr. Adeel Afzal, Director of the Skills Development Centre Dr. Imtiaz Shafiq, faculty members, and staff were present. In his address, Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the financial stability of PU had improved over the past two years. He stated that the university’s agricultural land had increased from 20,000 to 300,000. He further claimed that the university’s revenue had increased by 1,200 percent. He said that, due to the efforts of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali, the University of the Punjab had largely overcome its financial deficit. He described the Vice Chancellor as a highly capable person. The minister said that launching welfare initiatives through public-private partnerships was a positive step. He added that access to clean drinking water was an excellent facility for students, teachers, and staff. He thanked Savour Foods for installing a technologically advanced water filtration plant at the University of the Punjab. Prof Dr. Muhammad Ali said that the university would complete every project aimed at the welfare and well-being of its teachers, employees, and students. Savour Foods CEO Muhammad Naeem said that the company would continue welfare initiatives for students at PU. He said that Savour Foods would be responsible for the maintenance of the water filtration plant.