PU rejects allegations, says financial position improves

LAHORE, Oct 05 (APP): Punjab University spokesperson has rejected allegations leveled by the Joint Action Committee, saying the administration’s response to all allegations is based on official record, facts and the university’s improved performance.

Addressing an emergency press conference, the spokesperson said the formation and recent activities of the Joint Action Committee came amid ongoing inquiries into the Town-III matter. He said complaints concerning appointments, administrative affairs and other matters involving certain committee members were being examined under university rules and law.

He said accountability proceedings could not be halted through protests or pressure, adding that all matters would be decided on the basis of evidence, rules and regulations and through competent legal forums. The administration, he said, would neither take retaliatory action nor halt legal proceedings under pressure.

The spokesperson said the university’s Finance and Planning Committee, Syndicate and other statutory bodies were functioning properly, while budget, income, expenditure and investment decisions were made after due institutional approval and auditing.

He said Punjab University’s income had increased from around Rs7 billion to Rs12.5 billion, while the budget deficit had declined from approximately Rs2.86 billion to Rs1.6 billion due to financial discipline and expenditure controls.

He added that energy-saving measures had resulted in savings of around 5 million units of electricity. The university also recorded more than 15,000 admissions, showing an increase of over 40 percent in new admissions.

The spokesperson said the university would continue to focus on education, research, financial stability, transparency, merit, accountability and institutional reforms, adding that its affairs would be run according to law and institutional rules rather than the interests of any individual or group.