LIKE all other sectors, higher education is not immune to the debilitating financial crisis that is currently roiling the country. In addition, many universities are suffering due to mismanagement and maladministration. While the long-term effects of this crisis on higher education will manifest themselves over time, many employees of these institutions, both serving and retired, have been facing problems of a more immediate nature as their pay and benefits have not been disbursed for months. For example, staffers of the Karachi-based Federal Urdu University say that neither the current staff nor retired teachers received their salaries/ pensions over Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha. Medical facilities for them have reportedly also been suspended. Around 50 retirees were not given their dues; a number of them have passed away, while the rest are still waiting for their dues. Those familiar with the situation say the university has the funds to clear the dues of the retirees, but is acting lethargically. Earlier this year, a similar situation was witnessed at Karachi University, where both teaching and non-teaching staff protested over remuneration issues.

The situation facing universities is stark. For example, in May the federal government cut off funding worth billions of rupees to provincially chartered varsities. While the provinces should indeed shoulder greater financial responsibility, the abruptness of the federal move is difficult to comprehend. There are no quick fixes to this crisis. However, what both the federal and provincial authorities must ensure is that academic and administrative staff continue to receive salaries and pensions regularly. Suspending remunerations — especially to retirees — in such times of economic misery is particularly cruel. Whether at the Federal Urdu University or other institutions, the state needs to resolve these issues without delay. Lack of financial security at universities will compel capable educators to flee to greener pastures, dealing a particularly severe blow to higher education in Pakistan’s public sector.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2024