K-P clears university pension arrears

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Higher Education, Archives and Libraries, Meena Khan Afridi, has announced that funds have now been released for lump-sum payments to university pensioners across the province.

In recognition of the development, a special ceremony was held at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, under the auspices of the Universities Intellectual Forum, where cheques were distributed among pensioners. The event was attended by Minister Meena Khan Afridi as chief guest, Advisor to Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam, and Special Assistant to CM on Science and IT Shafqat Ayaz.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Afridi said that the initiative was in line with the vision of PTI's founding chairman Imran Khan and the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

He confirmed that arrears of all university pensioners in K-P were being paid in lump sum.

The minister highlighted that the current government had allocated Rs4.5 billion for universities in its first year, which was enhanced to Rs10 billion this year. He further announced plans to fully solarize provincial universities and shift them to an e-office system by June 2026. A new ranking system for universities will also be launched within the year. Afridi expressed hope that by the next Senate meeting, most universities in K-P would achieve financial stability.

He also congratulated Imran Khan on securing bail in the May 9 cases and lauded Chief Minister Gandapur's efforts for ensuring the province's financial autonomy.

Advisor to CM on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, said the government had cleared all university pension arrears this year, while enhancing the overall grant to Rs10 billion. He added that 22 per cent of the provincial budget is being spent on education, including 2.75 per cent on higher education, which the government aims to raise to five per cent by 2028. He also announced that 20 per cent of provincial debt would be repaid this year, with a roadmap in place to clear remaining liabilities.

Special Assistant to CM on Science and IT, Shafqat Ayaz, said the government, with full cabinet support, was addressing the issues of academia on priority, with pension payments being a major step forward.

The Universities Intellectual Forum appreciated the government's efforts, praising CM Ali Amin Gandapur and Minister Meena Khan Afridi for their education-friendly policies and commitment to improving access to quality higher education across the province.