FUUAST crisis prompts fresh HEC probe

KARACHI:

Mounting administrative and financial challenges at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST), coupled with an ongoing protest by teaching staff over unpaid salaries and pensions, have prompted the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to launch a fresh review of the institution.

On Tuesday, FUUAST teachers staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, demanding payment of salaries, pensions, house rent ceiling, medical benefits and arrears. The protesting faculty attempted to march towards the Governor House but were stopped by police before entering the Red Zone. Following negotiations, the demonstrators returned to the Press Club.

Teachers claimed that house rent ceiling payments have been pending for 26 months, pensions for four months, salaries for two months, and multiple arrears remain unpaid. They also alleged that Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari has issued legal notices worth millions of rupees against staff members demanding salaries, and further accused him of harassment of female faculty members.

The teachers called upon President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the university's chancellor, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (pro-chancellor), and HEC Chairman Dr Niaz Ahmed to take immediate notice of the situation.

Meanwhile, the HEC has constituted a high-level committee to review FUUAST's governance, financial management, human resources and administrative affairs. The move follows persistent complaints and earlier audit findings related to the university's functioning.

According to the notification, the committee will assess whether previously identified issues have been resolved or further deteriorated. It will also review implementation of earlier recommendations and submit a detailed report within 30 days, along with fresh findings and corrective proposals.