Salary delays anguish university faculty

Balochistan University staff blocks Saryab road over three months of unpaid wages

QUETTA:

The faculty members and employees of the Balochistan University on Monday protested over the non-payment of their salaries for over three consecutive months, blocking main Saryab Road, Quetta, and underscoring the dire straits faced by them during Ramazan.

"This situation has compelled us to take to the streets during the holy month of Ramazan," Professor Kalimullah Barech, representing the Academic Staff Association, said while expressing disappointment over the state of affairs.

He strongly condemned the failure to pay salaries to professors, emphasising the severe financial strain and uncertainty endured by the university's faculty members.

The protest garnered attention from members of the provincial assembly, including Ali Madad Jatak, Mir Liaqat Lehri, and Obaid Gorgeaig, who arrived at the demonstration to show solidarity with the aggrieved educators.

The MPAs provided assurances, affirming the government's commitment to resolving the issue and prioritising the promotion of education in Balochistan.

"The founding of Balochistan University by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto underscores its significance," Ali Madad Jattak said, highlighting the historical importance of the institution.

As the protest unfolded on Saryab Road, traffic came to a standstill, causing significant disruptions in the area. The university teachers, brandishing banners emblazoned with slogans demanding immediate payment of salaries, remained resolute in their stance.

"Our protest will continue until our rightful salaries are disbursed," Nazeer Ahmed Lehri declared, echoing the sentiments of his colleagues and underscoring the determination of the protesting educators to seek redress for their financial grievances.

The standoff on Saryab Road serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by educators in Balochistan and the urgent need for the authorities to address the systemic issues affecting the livelihoods of those dedicated to shaping the future through education.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2024.