Islamabad:Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has warned that continued inaction of authorities over accepting demands of teachers in higher education may leave the academic community with no option but to initiate street protests.
FAPUASA reiterated that its struggle is not only for the rights of university teachers but also for the protection of Pakistan’s higher education system and its future generations. The federation observed Wednesday a nationwide peaceful protest for the second consecutive week by holding demonstrations to press for the resolution of long-standing issues facing the higher education sector.
Faculty members organised coordinated protests on university campuses, reiterating their concerns over deteriorating service conditions, declining real incomes and persistent neglect of academic professionals by the relevant authorities.
The continuation of the protest follows last week’s nationwide demonstration, during which FAPUASA had formally placed its core demands before the government. These demands include the immediate restoration of the income tax rebate for university teachers and researchers, revision of salaries under the Tenure Track System in line with inflation, immediate approval and implementation of a fair and transparent promotion policy for BPS faculty, payment of the Disparity Reduction Allowance and inclusion of all approved salary and pension increases in recurring grants for universities.
FAPUASA leadership emphasised that the prolonged stagnation of TTS salaries, combined with rising inflation and lack of promotion structures severely affected faculty morale and threatens the quality and sustainability of public sector higher education. Speakers at various protest gatherings stressed that university teachers play a central role in national development and innovation, yet continue to face discriminatory policies and financial insecurity compared to other public sector employees.
While reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and democratic protest, FAPUASA urged the federal and provincial governments, Higher Education Commission and relevant ministries to initiate meaningful and time-bound negotiations to address these issues.
