The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched a fresh review of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) following mounting administrative and financial challenges, coupled with an ongoing protest by teaching staff over unpaid salaries and pensions. On Tuesday, FUUAST teachers staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, demanding payment of salaries, pensions, house rent ceiling, medical benefits, and arrears.
Protest Details and Demands
The protesting faculty attempted to march towards the Governor House but were stopped by police before entering the Red Zone. After negotiations, the demonstrators returned to the Press Club. Teachers claimed that house rent ceiling payments have been pending for 26 months, pensions for four months, salaries for two months, and multiple arrears remain unpaid. They also alleged that Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari has issued legal notices worth millions of rupees against staff members demanding salaries, and further accused him of harassment of female faculty members.
Appeal to Authorities
The teachers called upon President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the university's chancellor, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (pro-chancellor), and HEC Chairman Dr Niaz Ahmed to take immediate notice of the situation. According to the teachers, the financial mismanagement has severely impacted their livelihoods and the institution's academic environment.
HEC Committee Formation
Meanwhile, the HEC has constituted a high-level committee to review FUUAST's governance, financial management, human resources, and administrative affairs. The move follows persistent complaints and earlier audit findings related to the university's functioning. According to the notification, the committee will assess whether previously identified issues have been resolved or further deteriorated. It will also review implementation of earlier recommendations and submit a detailed report within 30 days, along with fresh findings and corrective proposals.
Impact and Future Steps
The committee's report is expected to provide actionable recommendations to address the university's challenges. The HEC's intervention underscores the severity of the crisis at FUUAST, which has been grappling with financial instability and governance issues for an extended period. The outcome of this review could determine the future trajectory of the institution and its ability to serve students and faculty effectively.
