University staff rally demands salaries
The University of Balochistan Joint Action Committee (JAC) has organised a protest rally, demanding “immediate resolution” of financial issues faced by the faculty members and staff of the varsity and its research centers.
The gathering was led by Professor Dr Kaleemullah Bardich, Shah Ali Bugti, Nazir Ahmad Lehri, Farid Khan Achakzai, Nimatullah Kakar, Gul Jan Kakar, and others.
"No salaries have been paid to the faculty members and employees," Kaleem Bareech, the central leader of the academic staff association said, demanding that the Balochistan government address the financial issues of the university.
Starting from Jamia Balochistan, the protesters passed through various roads and streets of the city, morphing the assembly into a demonstration to express their discontent. The participants of the rally carried placards and banners inscribed with slogans of resolution to the prevailing financial woes.
The procession culminated at a protest camp and meeting at the Press Club.
"This is alarming. [There are] no salaries for employees and faculty members," Nazeer Ahmed Lehri, another leader of the academic staff association said. He lamented that despite repeated appeals, the provincial government had failed to address the varsity’s issues.
In a joint statement, the JAC expressed concern over the non-payment of salaries and pensions for three months, as well as the failure to disburse the full salary for the month of November 2023 and the promised 35% increment announced in the annual budget.
They also highlighted the lack of housing facilities for teachers, officers, and employees of the research centres, saying it had resulted in “severe hardship”.
Additionally, the JAC urged political parties, student organisations, legal community, and civil society to participate in the protest demonstration to support their cause.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2024.