Financial prudence urged at campuses
Students at work during the culture festival at the Ghulam Ishaq Khan University in Swabi. Photo: Express
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali, presided over a senate meeting at the University of Swabi (UoS) on Tuesday, emphasizing the imperative for universities in the province to uphold financial discipline considering the limited resources available. The meeting, attended by Vice Chancellor UoS, Nasir Jamal, and officials from education, establishment, finance, and the higher education commission, addressed key issues related to university governance.
Governor Ali underscored that the provincial government allocates Rs56 billion annually for salaries and urged universities to explore innovative approaches to overcome financial challenges and enhance overall performance. He recommended that universities devise comprehensive plans to improve administrative, educational, and financial aspects. Emphasizing the importance of research-based education, he noted its role in enhancing students’ capacity and preparing them for the challenges of the evolving world.
Read Financial crisis threatens K-P universities
During the meeting, discussions revolved around amendments in universities statutes for 2016-17, the financial resource development plan for 2023, and the annual performance report of the university. Additionally, matters related to age relaxation were referred to the Standing Committee for the Higher Education Department.
Despite the crucial role higher education plays in the socio-economic development of the country, a financial crisis looms over many public sector universities in K-P, impacting the learning and research processes as well as enrollment in advanced programs. Among the 34 public sector universities, including those specialized in engineering, technology, agriculture, medical, animal husbandry, and management sciences, seven, including UET Peshawar, Gomal University DI Khan, Agriculture University Peshawar, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Peshawar, and University of Shangla, grapple with significant financial challenges, attributed to pension liabilities and diminishing budget balances.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2024.