The Finance and Planning Committee meetings of the Centres of Excellence in the Punjab region were successfully held on August 24-25, 2024, at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore. The meetings were convened by Directors and representatives from Higher Education Commission and 11 Centres of Excellence to discuss critical financial strategies and planning initiatives.

Key figures from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), including Ms. Samina Durrani, Director Finance HEC, and Dr. Mazhar Saeed, Advisor Finance HEC, attended the meetings, along with representatives from 11 Centres of Excellence. These included the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab; Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab; Centre of Excellence in Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab; Pakistan Study Centre, University of the Punjab; Area Study Centre for South Asia, University of the Punjab; Shaikh Zayed Islamic Centre, University of the Punjab; Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore; Water Management Research Centre, University of Agriculture Faisalabad; School of Mathematical Sciences, Government College University Lahore; Al-Khawarizmi Institute of Computer Science, UET Lahore, and the School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab.

The meetings featured in-depth discussions on financial budgets and frameworks, with a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource allocation across the Centres of Excellence. Ms. Samina Durrani and Dr. Mazhar Saeed provided valuable insights and guidance on financial planning and budgeting, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial management for the continued success of the Centres of Excellence.

In addition, Ms. Samina Durrani visited the laboratories at CEMB, where she was briefed by Prof. Moazur Rahman, Director of CEMB, on the various ongoing projects at the centre. She appreciated the innovative research and development work being carried out, particularly in the areas of agriculture, stem cells and regenerative medicine, and biopharmaceuticals and extended her gratitude for the futuristic applications of these advancements, acknowledging the potential impact they could have on both society and the country’s economy at large.