LAHORE: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) observed a black day on Thursday in educational institutions across the country over different issues of higher education.

On the call of FAPUASA, all universities observed the black day and recorded their protest against the anti-education policies of the government on different crucial challenges being faced by the higher education sector i.e abolition of 25 per cent tax rebate for teachers, government interference in the autonomy of universities, change in the criteria for appointment of vice chancellors in universities of Sindh, changes in pension rules in Punjab and non-payment of salaries in universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

Protest demonstrations were held in all major universities of the country. The main demonstration was held at the Punjab University, Lahore, which was led by FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, FAPUASA Punjab chapter President Dr Khawar Nawazish and Central Information Secretary Dr Ahtisham Ali.

Addressing the rally, Dr Magsi announced the start of a full-fledged protest movement against the government.

He said the government was continuously interfering in the autonomy of the universities, and the federal and provincial governments’ decisions were creating frustration and anxiety among the teaching fraternity.

He demanded the prime minister and the provincial chief ministers come forward to resolve these issues otherwise the scope of the protest would be extended. He threatened that FAPUASA may call for an educational boycott across the country.

Major protests were held in the University of the Punjab, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Peshawar University, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Government College University, Lahore, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Hazara University, Mansehra, Kohat University, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Islamia College University, Peshawar, UET Taxila, and Comsats University, Islamabad, and all its sub-campuses in Wah, Vehari and Abbottabad.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2025