Urdu University Karachi campuses shut down amid staff protests

Teachers at both campuses of Federal Urdu University in Karachi have boycotted classes, while non-teaching staff also snubbed office work in protest against the reversal of the salary increase implemented by the federal government and the suspension of the upcoming salary increment.

Classes remained suspended at the university on Thursday.

Teachers and staff gathered in front of the administrative building at the Gulshan Iqbal campus to protest and chanted slogans against the administration. The unions of teachers and staff stated that the university’s Vice-Chancellor issued orders to reverse the salary increase granted in July.

They emphasised that employees are already under mental stress due to non-payment of salaries and house rent allowances. Issuing such orders in this situation would be a grave injustice to the employees.

On the other hand, when Express News contacted the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, regarding the issue, he stated, "It is unfortunate for Karachi that its teachers are always engaged in protests. We have tried to elevate this university to international standards, but the teachers are not cooperative."

He further added, "So far, no salary increase has been made, nor has there been any talk of reversing an increase. The only request was to have the salary increase approved by the syndicate, in accordance with the rules and regulations."

He further stated, "The syndicate meeting is scheduled for October 24, but these individuals are not willing to wait for it." Meanwhile, the university's financial sources, when contacted, revealed that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had raised objections to granting the salary increase.

HEC’s stance was that the increase should first be approved by the relevant forum.

The teachers' leaders argued that the Vice-Chancellor had clearly issued orders to reverse the salary increase and stated that there would be no increase in salaries. They stated that it was only after the protest was announced that the syndicate was used as an excuse.

The teachers also mentioned that only July’s salaries have been disbursed, while the rest are still pending, and house rent allowances have been withheld for the last six months.

They added that if the salary increase is stopped, employees' salaries will decrease due to the higher tax rate, instead of increasing.

It is worth noting that last Thursday, the teachers and staff of Urdu University held a symbolic sit-in outside the regional office of the HEC in protest.

On that occasion, a memorandum addressed to the Chairman of HEC was submitted to the Regional Director, stating that the university is currently facing a deficit of Rs934 million, which has led to the suspension of teachers' salaries, retirees' pensions, and house rent allowances for several months.

In the fiscal year 2023-2024, the financial deficit of the university was Rs934 million. This year, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) increased the grant by only 5%, which amounts to just Rs45 million.

Due to this minimal increase, the financial crisis of the university has worsen in 2024. Two months’ salaries for teachers and staff, as well as five months of house rent allowances, have not been paid.

It is estimated that by the end of this financial year, Urdu University will face a salary deficit of four months. In addition to regular employees, part-time teachers have outstanding dues of more than two years, while retired teachers and staff are awaiting three months of pension and other payments.

The university lacks funds to meet these obligations. Furthermore, the absence of proper research facilities and essential equipment, chemicals, and computers in science departments is negatively impacting students' academic activities. As a result, the future of 18,000 students at Federal Urdu University is at risk.