Islamabad: A high-level delegation from the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA), led by Central President Professor Dr. Ikhtiar Ghumro, met with Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to discuss the financial crisis confronting public sector universities and the growing fiscal challenges facing the higher education sector.
According to the Senate of Pakistan, the delegation included FAPUASA General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Mudassar, former President Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, and Dr. Muzaffar Seharvi. They presented a detailed briefing on the financial and administrative difficulties faced by public universities across the country, emphasizing that the recurring grant allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has remained stagnant at Rs. 65 billion for the past nine years. This has created financial stress, adversely affecting academic operations nationwide.
The delegation highlighted that due to stagnant funding, universities are struggling to meet salary obligations, pension liabilities, and rising utility expenditures, putting the educational future of nearly three million students under pressure. They noted a decline in public expenditure on higher education in Pakistan, from 0.16 percent of GDP to 0.06 percent. In response, FAPUASA urged the government to increase the HEC grant to Rs. 130 billion in the upcoming Federal Budget 2026-27, restore Public Sector Development Programme allocations, establish a National Pension Support Fund, reinstate tax incentives and research allowances, and expedite the revision of salaries under the Tenure Track System.
The Tenure Track System, introduced in 2007 to promote research and academic excellence, has seen only three salary revisions over nineteen years, with the last in 2021. Currently, TTS salaries fall below regular faculty packages and lack pension benefits. The delegation referred to recommendations from the Prime Minister’s Task Force for a review of TTS salaries in consultation with relevant ministries.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani directed relevant authorities to ensure progress on proposals concerning increased higher education funding, tax rebates for researchers, and the revision of TTS salaries to address faculty challenges. He expressed concern over the deteriorating state of higher education infrastructure and funding constraints, assuring the delegation of his full support. He also directed Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, to examine these financial matters for inclusion in the upcoming Federal Budget, aiming to protect the nation’s intellectual and educational future.