Public Sector Universities Raise Alarm Over Worsening Financial Crisis

The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating financial crisis in public sector universities, urging for immediate action.

During an online Executive Council meeting led by President Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi, the association stressed the need for a substantial increase in both civil and parochial education budgets.

The council prompted the high minister, finance minister, advanced education minister, and parochial principal ministers to prioritize university backing in the forthcoming budgets.

FAPUASA also called for the rapid-fire establishment of parochial Advanced Education Commissions( HECs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, demanding fiscal and executive autonomy for all parochial HECs.

According to HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the advanced education sector is presently facing a space of Rs. 60.1 billion, increased from Rs. 17.7 billion in 2018- 19. He noted that while the HEC requires Rs. 125 billion, only Rs. 65 billion has been allocated.

Major universities, including Quaid- i- Azam University, IIUI, and Federal Urdu University, are floundering to meet payroll and pension scores, and a request for an fresh Rs. 2.5 billion submitted in January is still pending.