PESHAWAR: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, has demanded that the provincial government allocate Rs25 billion bailout package in the upcoming budget for the public sector universities.

Speaking at a press conference at the University of Peshawar, FAPUASA KP President Prof Zakirullah Jan also expressed concern over the federal budget, saying the federal government had disappointed the higher education sector with a meagre allocation.

“The public sector universities in KP are currently grappling with a severe financial crisis, limited resources, delays in salaries and pensions, and inadequate facilities for academic and research activities,” said Mr Jan, who is also president of Peshawar University Teachers’ Association (PUTA).

He said that the University of Peshawar had been facing a financial crisis for the last couple of years, as it has not paid salaries to its employees for May and pensions for May and March.

Teachers’ body chief deplores ‘meagre’ allocation for higher education in federal budget

“FAPUASA and PUTA are particularly concerned about the grave situation at the University of Peshawar, where employees and pensioners have been deprived of their salaries and pensions,” he said.

More alarmingly, funds are not even available to pay salaries and pensions for June and July, he said, adding that despite this, teachers and staff continue to perform their duties with honesty, hard work and responsibility.

To address the crisis, the University of Peshawar had submitted a request for a supplementary grant of Rs619 million to the chief minister through the higher education and finance departments, he said. “Unfortunately, this urgent request appears to remain confined to official files and no relief has been provided to the affected employees and pensioners, even though they are suffering the consequences of circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

“At a time when countries are making heavy investments in higher education, research, innovation, and youth development, the continued neglect of universities in Pakistan is alarming,” Mr Jan regretted.

Since the provincial budget is expected next week, FAPUASA and PUTA make an earnest appeal to the chief minister, minister for higher education, and minister for finance to demonstrate their commitment to education by allocating a special and substantial package of Rs25 billion for public universities, he demanded.

He said that these funds were indispensable for timely payment of salaries and pensions, continuation of teaching and research activities, promotion of innovation and research, and preparing graduates capable of competing globally based on knowledge and skills.

“University teachers and employees deserve dignity, respect, and financial security,” he said. “Unfortunately, those entrusted with educating and training Pakistan’s future generations repeatedly face financial hardship and mental distress,” he further said.

The FAPUASA KP president demanded that the government establish a sustainable financial system to ensure uninterrupted payment of salaries and pensions in all public universities.

“Prioritise higher education as a key and strategic investment for the future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan,” he said. “The development, stability, and prosperity of any society is tied to the strength of its educational institutions,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026