Islamabad: A delegation from the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) met with Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to discuss the financial challenges facing public universities and the broader higher education sector.

According to Press Information Department, the delegation, led by Central President Professor Dr. Ikhtiar Ghumro, highlighted the financial and administrative issues that have arisen due to the stagnant recurring grant to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), which has been frozen at Rs. 65 billion for nine years. This situation has strained universities’ abilities to meet salary obligations, pension liabilities, and utility expenditures, impacting nearly three million students, particularly from low- and middle-income families. Public expenditure on higher education has also declined from 0.16 percent of GDP to 0.06 percent.

The delegation urged an increase in the HEC grant to Rs. 130 billion in the Federal Budget 2026-27, restoration of Public Sector Development Programme allocations, establishment of a National Pension Support Fund, reinstatement of tax incentives and research allowances, and a revision of salaries under the Tenure Track System (TTS). The TTS, introduced to encourage research and academic excellence, has seen only three salary revisions since 2007, with the last in 2021. These salaries now lag behind regular faculty packages and lack pension benefits.

Chairman Senate Gilani directed relevant authorities to advance proposals for increased funding, tax rebates for researchers, and TTS salary revisions. He expressed concern over the state of higher education infrastructure and funding and assured the delegation of his support. He instructed the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue to examine these financial issues and consider their inclusion in the upcoming Federal Budget to protect the educational future of the nation.