A post-budget seminar was held at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), bringing together prominent academics and policymakers to discuss the implications of the national budget on education and the economy.
The seminar was graced by esteemed guests, including the Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan; Vice Chancellor, Punjab University, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, GC University, Lahore, Prof Dr Omer Chaudry, Prof. Naeem Masood, Senior Journalist, Mr Munawr Mirza, Tax Expert, Vice President, FPCCI, Vice Chancellor, LCWU, Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi.
The Department of Economics continuing the university’s academic tradition, organized both pre-budget and post-budget seminars for the first time with a dedicated focus on fiscal policy. These initiatives, sustained under the leadership of successive vice chancellors, underscore LCWU’s longstanding commitment to academic dialogue and institutional development—an enduring source of pride for both current and past university leadership
In his address, Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan keynote emphasized that investment in education must remain a top priority for the government. He highlighted new initiatives by the Punjab Government aimed at strengthening the education sector and reaffirmed PHEC’s dedication to promoting best practices and developing robust support systems across universities in Punjab. He further stressed the importance of institutional autonomy, a clear strategic vision and a strong commitment to research, innovation, and discovery, the pillars essential for higher education to contribute in the meaningful development of the sector and country.
Other distinguished speakers shared valuable insights on the nexus between education, economy, and governance:
Prof. Dr. Omar Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor, GCU, Lahore, underscored the need for transparent and efficient financial systems and stressed the significance of comprehensive financial documentation to stabilize and grow the national economy. He also emphasized the increasing relevance of unconscious consumerism in shaping sustainable economic policies.
Mr. Munawar Mirza, a tax expert, advocated for maintaining the tax rebate for teachers as a legal imperative, acknowledging educators' pivotal role in nation-building.
Mr. Zaki, Vice President of the FPCCI, called for stronger industry-academia linkages and recommended budgetary allocations to promote research and development (R\&D) in the industrial sector, facilitated through universities.
Mr. Naeem Masood, a senior journalist known for his engagement with higher education, emphasized the necessity of good governance and effective support structures for educational institutions. He commended the LCWU administration and the Department of Economics for organizing a timely and impactful seminar. He also highlighted the media’s role in spotlighting the challenges faced by various sectors to guide better policymaking.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, stressed the importance of collaboration and resource sharing among universities. He acknowledged the government’s efforts to reform the education sector through appropriate funding for development and progress.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, Vice Chancellor of LCWU, extended her gratitude to all participants and speakers. She appreciated the open and constructive dialogue that explored how the national and provincial budgets could effectively address challenges across various sectors. She commended Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal Chaudhry and the Department of Economics for their leadership, dedication, and upholding of the academic tradition.
Dr. Quraishi also emphasized the importance of hard work and optimal utilization of available resources, acknowledging the government’s support through initiatives like the Honhaar scholarship Program and laptop schemes, which empower youth and help unlock their potential. She also acknowledged the support extended by govt of Punjab.