Karachi: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association announced a province-wide suspension of teaching activities starting Thursday in protest against recent government decisions affecting higher education, including plans to appoint bureaucrats as vice chancellors.
The decision was disclosed during a briefing at Karachi University (KU) following a general body meeting of Fapuasa.
“This protest is a direct response to the government’s refusal to address our legitimate concerns. Academic activities will remain suspended until these controversial policies are reversed,” said Dr. Akhtiar Ghumro, representative of Fapuasa’ Sindh chapter. He emphasized that teachers had been left with no choice but to take this drastic step.
Dr. Ghumro criticized the government for altering the criteria for appointing vice chancellors, a move that could allow bureaucrats or commissioned officers to lead universities. He also condemned the decision to hire teachers on a contractual basis, arguing that it would undermine academic autonomy and stability.
“University autonomy is a cornerstone of educational excellence worldwide. Bureaucratic interference in higher education and insecure contractual employment will harm academic freedom, research quality, and overall educational standards,” added Dr. Mohsin Ali, president of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society.
The protest also highlighted grievances against the Higher Education Commission (HEC), accusing it of interfering in universities’ academic matters and failing to address a severe financial crisis that has crippled public sector universities. Teachers argued that limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and staff shortages were depriving students of essential research facilities and lowering the quality of education.
The association demanded the restoration of key administrative powers to university vice chancellors, including the authority to issue non-objection certificates, which they said was crucial for facilitating teachers’ participation in international conferences.
Representatives from various universities attended the briefing, including Dr. Kamran Zakria (NED University), Dr. Arshad Memon (Mehran University of Engineering and Technology), Dr. Akhtiar Gadahi (Sufi University), Mr. Asif Hussain Samo (Sindh Madressatul Islam University), Dr. Tariq Hussain Jalbani (Sindh University), and Dr. Farhat Nazir Khoso (Sindh Agricultural University).
The teachers pledged to continue their protest until their demands were met and urged the government to prioritize higher education reforms that uphold academic freedom and institutional autonomy.
