The University of Home Economics (UHE) Syndicate has approved a transformative measure to provide free education for female students from Balochistan. During its 15th syndicate meeting, presided over by Punjab Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and attended by UHE Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zaibun Nisa Hussain, a unanimous decision was made to offer full scholarships covering tuition and academic expenses for all Balochistan female students admitted to BS (Hons) programs. Minister Hayat remarked, “This initiative will empower marginalized communities and promote national unity.”
The syndicate also sanctioned a budget of Rs1.289 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, including Rs250 million for electrification, Rs80 million for technology upgrades, Rs10 million for laboratory enhancements, and Rs4 million for new library books. The University Development Fund received Rs20 million, while the University Endowment Fund was allocated Rs70 million. Additionally, the Pension Fund was assigned Rs48 million, with scholarships and student support initiatives receiving Rs7 million. For employee welfare, Rs10 million was approved to enhance staff support programs and facilities.
Key to institutional advancement, a University Advancement and Financial Aid Office will be set up under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) guidelines to focus on fundraising, student aid, and alumni engagement. The syndicate also approved the HEC Travel Grant Policy, facilitating academic travel and conference participation for faculty and researchers.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairperson Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, and Higher Education Additional Secretary Zahida Azhar, among others.
