BEIJING: The Academic Staff Association, COMSATS University Islamabad, convened its General Body Meeting, which was attended by a large number of faculty members from various departments. The meeting extensively deliberated upon faculty welfare, academic excellence, promotion of research, institutional governance, and implementation of merit-based and transparent policies within the university.
The General Body appreciated the Rector of COMSATS University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, for conducting the 40th Selection Board in the earliest possible time and for taking positive steps toward resolving several longstanding faculty-related issues. Participants acknowledged that the timely conduct of the Selection Board provided much-needed relief and encouragement to deserving faculty members.
The meeting welcomed the appointment of permanent Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and Campus Directors as an important step toward ending the prolonged adhoc administrative setup within the university. However, the General Body emphasized that the process should be completed in accordance with the COMSATS University Islamabad Act 2018 through the appointment of permanent Treasurer and Pro-Rectors to fully eliminate the adhoc administrative structure.
Faculty members expressed serious concern over unresolved seniority issues and demanded their permanent resolution through transparent and fair policies. The participants stressed the need for uniform implementation of rules related to promotions, seniority, annual increments, and other financial benefits across all campuses and across different Selection Boards to ensure institutional harmony and fairness among faculty members.
The General Body also demanded adequate representation of elected faculty members in important decision-making bodies, particularly the Finance and Planning Committee, so that faculty perspectives may be effectively incorporated into institutional financial and administrative policies. Faculty members further called for transparent statutory funds aimed at ensuring the financial wellbeing and welfare of university employees.
During the meeting, faculty members demanded implementation of the BPS system, provision of 30 percent Disparity Reduction Allowance, and revision of pay scales in order to ensure financial and service benefits comparable to those available in other public sector universities and institutions of the country. The participants emphasized that academic excellence and research-driven growth are essential for the progress of the university. Faculty members demanded the establishment of modern research laboratories, upgradation of existing research facilities, and provision of adequate research funding to support quality research and innovation. They highlighted that sustainable national development and internationally competitive research require continuous institutional investment in scientific equipment, research projects, and scholarly activities.
The General Body also demanded the creation of promotion seats for eligible faculty members and implementation of Higher Education Commission guidelines regarding promotion opportunities for PhD faculty appointed at the level of Assistant Professor. Participants emphasized that timely promotions and a clear career progression structure are essential for maintaining academic quality and research productivity.
Faculty members further stressed the need for a consultative process involving representatives of statutory forums and elected academic bodies in resolving faculty-related matters to ensure transparent, democratic, and participatory institutional governance.
The Academic Staff Association reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding faculty rights, promoting academic and research excellence, and strengthening merit, transparency, and institutional stability at COMSATS University Islamabad. –PR
