THE tenure track system (TTS) was initiated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to stop brain drain, and to keep the faculty focussed on research and academics. A recent survey by the HEC shows that TTS faculty, in fact, is delivering much better.

However, the TTS faculty itself is losing hope and stands frustrated. Most of them are thinking about quitting and going abroad in search of greener pastures. It is mainly due to two reasons.

The first problem is that TTS statutes are in the hands of unprofessional HEC officials, who are playing with the careers of competent PhD faculty. The biggest problem is endorsement issues created by the HEC. The universities are the appointing authority, and there is no need for endorsement by the HEC at each and every step of way.

The rules are interpreted by the HEC staff who do not have any understanding of university requirements, especially the TTS. The HEC has made a so-called ‘review committee’ which has the same set of members for the last many years. They make decisions in line with the HEC as they want to retain their positions.

The second problem is that the salary of all individuals in the country is raised almost every year, except for the salary of the competent TTS faculty which has not received any increase since 2015. The faculty, which had to focus on research and teaching, is now looking for alternative sources of income to run their kitchen. Many of them are now seeking jobs abroad as no one is listening to them here.

If we are serious about the field of higher education, and want to see it progressing, we need to address these two issues urgently. One cannot fight a battle if the soldiers are frustrated.

Prof T. Iqbal

Faisalabad

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2021