A delegation of the Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association (SPLA) on Friday met Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah to discuss teachers’ issues, with key progress reported on promotion policies and reforms to the SECCAP system.
The meeting, held at the minister’s Karachi office, was attended by Secretary College Education Farrukh Shahzad Qureshi, Director General Colleges Zahid Hussain Rajpar, Dr Muhammad Qasim Rajpar, and other officials. The SPLA delegation included Central President Prof Munawar Abbas, Secretary General Prof Ghulam Mustafa Kaka, Senior Vice President Muhammad Adeel Khawaja, and Lady Vice President Shabana Afzal.
During the meeting, the minister assured the delegation that teachers’ issues would be addressed on a priority basis, emphasizing their critical role in improving the quality of higher education in Sindh.
A discussion was held on the promotion formula, particularly streamlining promotions from Grade 17 onwards. The minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring timely promotions, stating that progress would be made in consultation with teachers and in line with his earlier assembly commitments.
On academic facilities, the minister said schemes for providing furniture and laboratory equipment were already underway. He added that steps were being taken to modernise computer labs and promote digital learning in colleges.
It was also decided that colleges would be allowed to purchase books for four-year BS programmes from their existing budgets, with a formal notification to be issued soon. The minister stressed the need to transform colleges from mere examination centres into institutions focused on learning and academic development. Issues related to encroachments on college properties were also discussed, with the minister directing strict action against misuse of government land and calling for cooperation from teachers.
Regarding academic discipline, he emphasized ensuring at least 75% student attendance and announced plans to digitise attendance systems. The meeting also reviewed concerns related to the SECCAP system, with the minister directing improvements and incorporation of SPLA’s recommendations to enhance transparency and efficiency.
The SPLA leadership appreciated the introduction of the five-tier promotion formula, while the minister assured further progress, including a proposal to the chief minister regarding Board I and Board II examinations for promotions. He also informed the delegation that work on textbook development was underway and assured that teachers would be consulted before publication. At the conclusion, both sides agreed to strengthen coordination, with Dr Qasim Rajpar designated as the focal person between SPLA and the College Education Department.
