Dr. Mazhar Urges Action to Save Quaid-i-Azam University

Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), one of Pakistan's premier higher education institutions, is currently grappling with a severe financial crisis that threatens its day-to-day operations and raises concerns about its future sustainability. Dr. MazharIqbal, the President of the Academic Staff Association, has highlighted the pressing need for immediate action to tackle the university's financial woes.

Established in 1967 as Islamabad University and later rebranded as Quaid-i-Azam University in 1976 to honor the nation's founder, QAU stands as the only federal university in Pakistan catering to students from all corners of the country. Initially renowned for its research programs, the university has expanded its offerings to include MSc and Bachelor of Science degrees, currently catering to approximately 12,000 students from diverse backgrounds.

Despite its stellar reputation in academia, QAU has been facing financial challenges due to inadequate government funding and escalating costs driven by inflation, resulting in a substantial budget deficit exceeding 20%. This deficit has led to delayed payments for crucial expenses like teaching materials, student support, and medical bills, severely impacting the university's functioning.

Dr. Mazhar has urged key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, the Minister of Federal Education, the Prime Minister, and the University Chancellor, to allocate a special grant to avert a financial collapse. He also advocates for an increase in the higher education budget to cater to the burgeoning needs of the country's youth.

Despite its status as Pakistan's Flagship Institution and its impressive global rankings, QAU receives disproportionately low financial backing compared to other universities. Dr. Mazhar contends that the university's performance justifies a bailout package of Rs. 5 billion to support its ongoing journey towards becoming a top global university and making substantial contributions to Pakistan's educational landscape.

The financial crisis facing Quaid-i-Azam University underscores the critical need for immediate intervention to safeguard its operations and uphold its esteemed position in Pakistan's higher education sector. It is imperative for authorities to heed Dr. Mazhar's call for increased financial support to ensure the university's continued success and its pivotal role in shaping the future of education in Pakistan.