In a significant financial boost, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a special grant of Rs2.581 billion for Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, aimed at resolving long-standing financial bottlenecks. The funding, sanctioned for the 2025–26 fiscal year, comes on the directive of Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, signaling a renewed focus on higher education reform in the province.
Pension Crisis Addressed as Core Priority
The lion’s share of the grant will go toward addressing overdue pension liabilities — a persistent issue that has strained the university’s relationship with retired staff for years. Previously reliant on a Rs900 million annual grant, this sharp increase marks a substantial shift in government support.
“This enhanced funding reflects the government’s commitment to resolving legacy financial burdens while stabilizing the institution,” said a university spokesperson following a recent Senate session held at the Higher Education Department.
Key Stakeholders Weigh In on Budget and Reforms
The meeting, chaired by Provincial Higher Education Minister and Pro-Vice Chancellor Meena Khan Afridi, brought together top officials, including Gomal University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, as well as representatives from the Finance Department, Establishment Division, and the Higher Education Commission.
Dr. Iqbal laid out a comprehensive budget strategy, reviewing revenue sources and last year’s financial performance. According to attendees, the session emphasized transparency and accountability, with particular appreciation for ongoing reforms.
Solar Energy and Digital Systems Earn Praise
Senate members also reviewed the university’s gradual shift toward solar power — a project intended to reduce long-term operational costs and promote sustainable campus infrastructure. The initiative was hailed as a forward-looking step, aligning with provincial goals for greener energy.
Further commendation was directed at the institution’s recent administrative upgrades. Gomal University has implemented digital reforms, including a biometric attendance system and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) framework, both of which have already improved internal efficiency and data management.
Leadership Transition and Optimism for the Future
During the session, Vice Chancellor Dr. Zafar Iqbal congratulated Chief Minister Gandapur on taking over as Chancellor of all public universities in the province. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister’s leadership would usher in a period of academic and administrative renewal across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Rs2.58 billion grant is not just a cash injection — it’s a strategic move to pull one of the province’s key educational institutions out of financial uncertainty and into a future of stability and reform.