The current situation of Teaching Associates and Teaching Assistants at the University of Karachi demands urgent and coordinated action. With months of unpaid stipends, a backlog of pending dues, and uncertainty about when they will be compensated, many TAs are working under severe financial and emotional strain. This not only undermines their morale and productivity but also affects the broader academic environment, as TAs play a vital role in course delivery, grading and student support.
It is evident that the Vice Chancellor is aware of these challenges and has been navigating an environment constrained by funding bottlenecks and procedural delays. The magnitude of the financial backlog calls for both administrative persistence and innovative problem-solving. Supporting the VC at this stage means recognising systemic hurdles and working collectively toward solutions rather than resorting to blame games.
A practical way forward must be multi-pronged. An Interim Relief Fund should be established as a short-term emergency measure, supported by federal and provincial governments, alumni and external donors. Payment prioritisation is essential, with dues disbursed in stages according to longest delays or acute financial hardship. A dedicated TA Payment Cell can maintain accurate records of contracts, working hours and payment status, ensuring administrative processing happens in parallel with fund allocation.
External funding channels should be explored through NGOs/corporate sectors educational grants, potentially linked to TA training or community outreach work. Monthly transparent timeline updates would reduce uncertainty and curb misinformation. For long-term efficiency, digitisation of the payment workflow (covering contracts, approvals and payroll) should replace manual processes, eliminating bottlenecks and enabling timely disbursement.
By combining financial prioritisation, administrative streamlining and open communication, the university can begin to restore confidence among its TAs. The message must be clear: TAs are not peripheral workers but essential academic partners.
Ensuring their timely compensation is both a financial obligation and an institutional responsibility — one that directly impacts the quality of education, the stability of academic operations and the university’s reputation.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
