Historical Background

Founding and Vision (1882)

Established on October 14, 1882, during British colonial rule, the university was founded to provide accessible and inclusive education to a diverse population, regardless of social or economic status. PU was the first university in Punjab, covering an extensive geographic region at the time.

Pre-Independence Role

PU evolved into a vibrant center for literary, scientific, and political thought. While influenced by British academia, it became a platform for indigenous scholarship, cultural expression, and critical discourse in the Indian subcontinent.

🇵🇰 Post-Independence Era

Since 1947, PU has transformed into a national flagship institution. It has played a central role in nation-building, research, and public service, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s development across multiple sectors.

Campuses and Infrastructure

Allama Iqbal Campus (Old Campus)

Located in Lahore’s historic old city, this campus is known for its iconic colonial-Mughal architecture. It hosts programs in humanities, Islamic studies, and social sciences.

Quaid-e-Azam Campus (New Campus)

Set along the scenic Lahore Canal, the expansive new campus houses most of PU’s faculties, research centers, and administrative offices, complete with modern labs, libraries, and sports complexes.

Regional Campuses

PU extends its reach through regional campuses in Gujranwala, Jhelum, and Khanspur, promoting regional equity in higher education.

Faculties and Academic Excellence

PU is home to:

• ✅ 13 Faculties
• ✅ 83 Departments, Institutes, and Research Centers

Major Disciplines Include:

• Natural Sciences & Engineering
• Arts, Humanities & Literature
• Law & Political Science
• Business, Commerce & Economics
• Life Sciences & Health Sciences
• Education, Information Science & Islamic Studies

University Library

One of the largest academic libraries in Pakistan, it features rare manuscripts, digital databases, and cutting-edge research tools to support scholars and researchers.

Core Values and Contributions

Academic Excellence

Consistently ranked among Pakistan’s top public universities, PU is known for its research output, global recognition, and quality faculty.

Equity and Inclusion

PU upholds educational equity by providing scholarships, subsidized tuition, and ensuring minority and gender representation.

Community Engagement

From public service projects to policy-making and NGO collaborations, PU alumni and faculty are active contributors to national development and international cooperation.

Cultural and Intellectual Life

PU remains a vibrant cultural force, regularly organizing:

• Literary festivals and book fairs
• Seminars, debates, and research conferences
• Cultural exhibitions and performing arts events

These activities promote intellectual dialogue, heritage preservation, and student development.

Visionary Initiatives

Sustainability and Green Campus

PU is investing in a green future through:

• Tree plantation drives
• Solar energy and energy-efficient buildings
• Waste reduction and recycling programs

Global Collaborations

The university maintains partnerships with:

• International universities
• Global research institutes
• NGOs and government bodies

These collaborations enable student exchanges, dual degrees, and multinational research ventures.

Research and Innovation

PU is home to research journals, centers of excellence, and think tanks in emerging fields like:

• Public Health and Medicine
• Climate Change and Sustainability
• Islamic Banking & Finance
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Governance and Public Policy

Identity and Symbolism

• Motto: Faith, Unity, Discipline — reflecting national and institutional values.
• Emblem: A powerful representation of cultural pride, academic advancement, and moral responsibility.
• Legacy: From colonial roots to contemporary global leadership, PU is a symbol of educational evolution.

Contact Information

University Name: University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore
Founded: October 14, 1882
Main Campus Address: Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Canal Bank Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92-42-99230259
Email: registrar@pu.edu.pk

Looking Ahead – A Beacon for Future Generations

University of the Punjab continues to evolve as a 21st-century educational powerhouse, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation. With a vision to provide value-based education, PU is shaping future generations who are:

• Ethically conscious
• Academically excellent
• Socially responsible
• Globally connected

“At PU, heritage converges with progress, and learning is an odyssey of moral transformation.”