Govt allocates Rs400m for new universities, research institutions

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25 (APP): The federal government has allocated Rs400 million for the establishment of new universities and research institutions in the country in order to expand academic opportunities and build a stronger foundation for future technological advancement.
According to documents available with Wealth Pakistan, an amount of Rs400 million allocated in FY2025-26 will be spent on the establishment of a public sector university in Muzaffargarh district, an institute of science and technology in Rajanpur, a campus of the Institute of Fashion Design in Karachi, and the establishment of an NCA Karachi campus.
As for the budgetary details, Rs150 million has been allocated for building a public sector university in Muzaffargarh District of Punjab, Rs50 million for the establishment of the Institute of Science and Technology, Rajanpur, Rs100 million for the establishment of a campus of the Institute of Fashion Design, Karachi, and Rs100 million for the establishment of NCA Karachi Campus, Karachi.
Besides this, the federal government has also taken some other initiatives. The plan to build the Danish University of Emerging Technologies, Islamabad is one of such steps. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is the custodian of the project, while the modalities, including the enactment of its Charter/Act, are in process.
Likewise, the plan to establish King Hamad University of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences in Islamabad is in progress. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination is looking after the project. The modalities are expected to be completed in the upcoming months.
The enactment of the Charter/Act for the establishment of Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre (University) is also in process.
Moreover, the government has planned to establish the National University of Public Policy and Administration (NUPA), Islamabad.
According to the documents, the government also allocated a development budget through specific projects aimed at both hard and soft interventions in universities. These include infrastructure development such as new campuses, academic and administrative blocks, hostels, and laboratories; human resource development; establishment, enhancement, and upgrading of laboratories and equipment; faculty development; procurement of transport; improvement of ICT infrastructure; and support for extracurricular activities.
According to the documents, the HEC’s development portfolio for the FY2025-26 is Rs39.0 billion for 140 projects.
The government, through special schemes/projects, also offers merit and need-based scholarships at undergraduate, postgraduate, and post-doctoral levels for students to promote higher education access.
Starting a faculty development program is among the schemes aimed at enhancing the teaching, research, and professional skills of the university faculty members to ensure high-quality education and academic excellence.
In order to improve the quality of research and education, the HEC supports research, innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country to enable the higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan to become hubs of economic growth and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
Such research programs include National Research Program for Universities (NRPU), Technology Development Fund (TDF), Research and Innovation Grants under Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP) project, Grand Challenge Fund (GCF), Local Challenge Fund (LCF), Technology Transfer Support Fund (TTSF), Rapid Research Grant (RRG), and Center of Excellence Grant (COE).
An official at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) described this strategic funding as a reflection of a long-term commitment to education, technology, and human capital growth, benefiting students and society alike.
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he said the investment would promote research and innovation, encourage collaboration with international institutions, create skilled professionals, and strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness in science, medicine, and technology.