Islamabad: A delegation of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) Pakistan, led by its President Prof. Dr. Akhtiar Ghumro, met with the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, to discuss critical issues facing public sector universities and university faculty members across the country.
The delegation included Prof. Dr. Muhammad Muddassar (General Secretary, FAPUASA Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Uzair (Media Secretary, FAPUASA Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Khan Jadoon (Former Media Secretary, FAPUASA Pakistan), and Dr. Iqbal Ahmed (Former President, FAPUASA Federal Chapter).
During the meeting, the delegation highlighted a number of important issues, including enhanced funding for public sector universities, implementation of the BPS promotion policy, status of the pending TTS salary-increase case, restoration of the tax rebate or sort out special research allowance for university teachers, abolition of the post-PhD experience condition for promotion or continuing both along side, fill all vacant seats in universities, extension of the Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA), and the release of payments for research journal subscriptions as well as increasing the internet bandwidth for universities.
FAPUASA emphasized that universities are facing serious financial challenges that are affecting academic activities, research, faculty development, and institutional sustainability. The delegation urged HEC to continue advocating for increased funding and timely release of funds to ensure the smooth functioning of universities.
Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar listened attentively to the concerns raised by the delegation and briefed them on the efforts being made by HEC to address these issues. He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to supporting public sector universities and facilitating the resolution of faculty-related concerns.
The Chairman emphasized that meaningful progress requires close cooperation among HEC, Vice Chancellors, and FAPUASA, and stressed the importance of collective efforts to strengthen the higher education sector and overcome existing challenges.
FAPUASA Pakistan appreciates the positive and constructive engagement of the Chairman HEC and his assurance that the Commission will continue pursuing solutions to the issues raised by the academic community.
The federation remains committed to working with HEC, university leadership, and other stakeholders for the promotion of quality higher education, protection of faculty rights, and strengthening of Pakistan’s universities. –PR
