LAHORE: (Thursday, January 22, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that Punjab University has allocated Rs. 170 million to promote research and emphasized that faculty members should utilize research funds for the betterment of the country, society, and the university. He expressed these views while addressing the ‘PU Research Grant Award Certificate Distribution Ceremony’ organized by the PU Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) here on Thursday. On this occasion, Vice Chancellor University of Swat Dr Dawood Chand, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director ORIC Dr Aqil Inam, deans of faculties, and faculty members and researchers who received research grants were present. In his address, Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali said that PU is like a mother, therefore the university should be a source of pride for everyone, and all should collectively play their role in its development. He stressed the importance of keeping students engaged in positive activities. He further said that timely promotion of faculty members is very important, and selection board meetings have been scheduled for those faculty members whose cases are complete. He added that through savings in various departments and by increasing sources of income, a pension and endowment fund has been established. He also urged faculty members to focus more on securing external research grants. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Aqil Inam said that 403 research grants have been approved at PU this year.