FAPUASA Demands Increased Funding for Public Universities Amid Financial Crisis

The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has raised alarms over the deepening financial crisis in public sector universities. During an emergency online meeting, the association called for immediate government action to prevent the collapse of higher education institutions.

With a funding shortfall of Rs. 60.1 billion, universities are struggling to pay salaries and pensions, forcing FAPUASA to demand higher budget allocations and administrative reforms.

The Growing Financial Crisis in Public Universities

1. Rising Budget Deficits

According to Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the financial gap has surged from Rs. 17.7 billion (2018-19) to Rs. 60.1 billion in recent years.

2. Universities Facing Salary Delays

Several major institutions, including:

• Quaid-i-Azam University

• International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)

• Federal Urdu University

are unable to disburse salaries and pensions on time. A Rs. 2.5 billion emergency funding request submitted in January 2024 remains unapproved.

FAPUASA’s Key Demands

1. Increased Federal and Provincial Budgets

FAPUASA has urged:

• The Prime Minister

• Finance Minister

• Higher Education Minister

• Provincial Chief Ministers

to prioritize university funding in upcoming budgets.

2. Establishment of Provincial HECs

The association demanded:
✔ Immediate creation of Higher Education Commissions in KP and Balochistan
✔ Financial and administrative autonomy for all provincial HECs

3. Restoration of Tax Rebates for Teachers

FAPUASA welcomed the federal cabinet’s decision to restore tax rebates for teachers and called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to issue the official notification immediately.

Why Immediate Action is Necessary

1. Threat to Academic Stability

Without urgent funding:

• Universities may face staff layoffs

• Research projects could be halted

• Student scholarships may be suspended

2. Long-Term Impact on Education Quality

A persistent financial crisis will lead to:

• Declining academic standards

• Brain drain of qualified faculty

• Reduced international collaborations

FAPUASA’s urgent appeal highlights the dire state of Pakistan’s public universities. The government must act swiftly to:

• Increase higher education funding

• Establish provincial HECs

• Ensure timely salary disbursements

Failure to address this crisis could have catastrophic consequences for Pakistan’s education system and future workforce.