Karachi: A Senate committee has mandated a comprehensive review of the administrative operations at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, as the institution grapples with a deepening salary and pension crisis, irregular recruitment allegations, and ongoing governance issues. The Senate Standing Committee on Education, led by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, has called for the creation of a sub-committee to scrutinize the university’s financial and administrative challenges, with a representative from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) included in the process.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the release of additional funds to the university will be contingent upon rectifying administrative irregularities. At a meeting held at the Governor House in Karachi, the committee examined various issues, including unpaid salaries and pensions, staffing levels, recruitment practices, and the functionality of the university’s Senate and Syndicate. The committee invalidated decisions from the university’s previous Syndicate meeting, citing legal concerns.
Senator Khalida Ateeb highlighted a decline in student enrollment, questioning if it was due to falling academic standards or administrative shortcomings. Vice-Chancellor Zabta Shinwari linked the decline to a national reduction in enrollment in basic science disciplines. The committee also inquired about the university’s financial difficulties despite an increase in government grants. VC Shinwari explained that although funding increased by 10%, salary expenditures rose by 20%, and the university’s financial burdens have persisted since it gained university status in 2002.
The university’s financial liabilities reportedly reached approximately Rs2 billion, and despite a bailout for three federal universities, Federal Urdu University was excluded. An official from the Federal Ministry of Education noted that the university’s claim of salaried employees since before 2002 lacked documentation, rendering it ineligible for bailout funds. Senator Sarmad Ali raised concerns about the university’s escalating salary bill and unregulated staff recruitment. VC Shinwari admitted some unnecessary appointments and mentioned a committee has been formed to investigate the issue.
Senator Bushra Anjum Butt insisted on receiving detailed recruitment records at the next meeting and emphasized that reliance on government subsidies is not a sustainable solution. Other senators pointed to politically motivated appointments and continuous administrative changes as contributing factors to the university’s difficulties. Senator Waqar Mehdi expressed concern over faculty promotions and pension delays, urging for a sub-committee to oversee the university’s affairs.
The university’s governing bodies were also scrutinized. VC Shinwari stated that major decisions are made through the Senate, which last met a year ago, despite the requirement for biannual meetings. Allegations of inaccurately recorded Senate minutes and unaddressed objections were raised by a representative from Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Urdu. The committee demanded comprehensive details of the Senate and Syndicate members and meeting minutes.
Questions were raised regarding the teaching staff and the Selection Board, with allegations of remote management by the vice-chancellor. Unpaid pensions and retirement benefits also surfaced, with claims that Rs660 million in university funds could cover these liabilities. The Federal Ombudsman supported the retired employees, but the university’s Syndicate rejected the directive.
Senator Bushra Anjum emphasized the necessity of functional oversight mechanisms within the university. The newly formed sub-committee will investigate recruitment, governance, financial management, and outstanding salary and pension liabilities, with HEC’s involvement. The meeting saw attendance from several senators, HEC’s chairman, the vice-chancellor, and officials from the Ministry of Education.