KU students' future hangs in the balance as faculty boycotts exams

Karachi University Teachers' Society (KUTS) has boycotted the examination process against the administration's failure to release pending dues, including leave encashment, payments for evening programme, and an increase in house ceiling allowances.

As semester exams commenced on Tuesday, the situation remained mixed across faculties. While some science departments and most arts departments proceeded with examinations, others—particularly in the Faculty of Pharmacy—observed the boycott. As a result, thousands of students were forced to return home without taking their exams, amid intense heat and humidity.

According to the official schedule, the semester examinations are set to continue throughout May. However, the boycott raises concerns about significant academic disruption, especially as many teachers are expected to go on summer vacations in June, potentially delaying the completion of the examination process.

In a statement, the KUTS defended its decision, calling it "logical rather than emotional." It said the continued non-payment of dues—including house ceiling arrears, evening programme compensation, supervisor fees, paper checking, paper setting, invigilation charges, and leave encashment—has placed teachers under severe financial strain.

The association also highlighted that the university was facing a financial deficit of around Rs1.6 billion and called for a transparent assessment of the causes behind the shortfall. It said repeated attempts to resolve the issues through negotiations, written communication, and consultative forums had failed, leaving protest as the only option.