FAPUASA and KUTS Protest Funding Cut for Pakistani Universities

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has recently announced a substantial cut in funding for provincially chartered universities in Pakistan. This decision comes as a result of a significant reduction in the federal government's grant, which has been slashed from 65 billion to 25 billion rupees. The funding cut has created financial challenges for universities across the country.

Due to the decreased grant, HEC will no longer be providing financial support to universities under provincial charters. Provinces are now tasked with independently financing their universities, marking a notable shift in the funding structure for higher education institutions in Pakistan.

The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) and the Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) have strongly opposed this funding reduction. They have declared May 30 as a day of protest against the decision. The Ministry of Finance has also conveyed the funding changes to the Higher Education Commission.

Initially, HEC had requested 126 billion rupees to support 160 universities nationwide. However, the federal government has drastically reduced the allocated budget to 25 billion rupees. This move has been met with disappointment and concern by university associations, as universities have been grappling with financial difficulties, including delayed salary payments and frozen funds for current expenses over the past eight years.

KUTS President Shah Ali Al-Qadar expressed disappointment over the government's decision to halt federal funding through HEC. He highlighted the financial strain universities are currently facing. The lack of an increase in the grant for over 160 universities further compounds the financial challenges experienced by higher education institutions in Pakistan.

The funding reduction for Pakistani universities has sparked protests and raised concerns within the academic community. As universities grapple with financial uncertainties, the future of higher education in the country remains uncertain. It is crucial for stakeholders to address these funding challenges to ensure the continued growth and development of the education sector in Pakistan.