THIS July, many public university faculty members were taken by surprise when they opened their payslips: despite a government-announced 10 per cent salary increase, many saw their take-home pay decline, particularly those in senior grades because the deductions effectively out-weighed the nominal raise.

The primary reason for this unwelcome surprise is the abolition of the 25pc income tax rebate for teachers and researchers, an incentive that had for nearly two decades offered financial relief in a persistently under-resourced sector. Amid rising inflation, the withdrawal has imposed financial burden on the academic community.

The government’s rationale that the rebate’s withdrawal aligns with external fiscal recommendations falls flat when other sectors continue to benefit from exemptions, luxury allowances, and disproportionate raises. Selective austerity, applied to educators, risks undermining Pakistan’s intellectual capital at a time when knowledge investment is more vital than ever.

While the academic community has historically demonstrated a willingness to support difficult national decisions, the perception of unequal burden has led to disappointment and a deepening sense of disillusionment. Therefore, it is no wonder that the current policy has drawn criticism from the community.

It is not too late for a course correction, however. The government should consider restoring the rebate and aligning education funding with the country’s development priorities, both to stem growing disillu- sionment among academic professionals and to reaffirm that it is knowledge, not neglect, that will shape Pakistan’s future.

Name withheld on request
Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2025