FUUAST teachers boycott exams over dues

Teachers at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) boycotted examinations on the first day of their protest on Monday, demanding accountability of the vice chancellor and release of pending salaries and pensions.

As per teachers' associations, faculty at both Abdul Haq Campus and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Campus staged the boycott over non-payment of salaries and pensions. Exams were disrupted in 34 out of 38 departments, with most papers cancelled due to unavailability of invigilators.

The joint call by Abdul Haq and Gulshan-e-Iqbal campus teachers' associations brought teaching and examination activities to a near standstill, and administration faced severe difficulties in arranging invigilation. Teachers demanded immediate release of two months' pending salaries and four months' pension arrears. They also called for restoration of house ceiling allowance suspended for 25 months and medical facilities that remain suspended.

Both campus associations appealed to the university chancellor, president, education minister and HEC chairman to intervene and initiate accountability of incumbent VC Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari during his tenure.