KARACHI, Aug 11: The Federation of All-Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) on Friday deferred the observance of a black-day and hunger on Aug 17 and 22 after assurances by the Higher Education Commission regarding acceptance of their demands.

According to FAPUASA President Sarwar Nasim, HEC executive director Dr Sohail Naqvi called on him and secretary FAPUASA Prof Dr Aqeel Ahmed at University of Karachi and assured that the demands of the federation would be discussed in Islamabad on Aug 15.

The meeting, to be chaired by HEC Chairman Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, will discuss issues facing teachers' community of country's public sector universities and they would be taken into confidence prior to implementation of HEC policies concerning them.

The federation president informed the HEC executive director that policies relating to higher education could only be accepted and implemented when they are discussed and approved by the stakeholders and urged HEC official to work together with the FAPUASA to enhance the academic standards in public sector universities.

He also expressed reservations regarding distribution of funds to private universities, saying private varsities were already fleecing people through a very high fee structure.

The academic staff body expressed the hope that commission would take a positive decision regarding acceptance of their demands to create an environment of trust and confidence.—PPI