KARACHI: As the examination boycott at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (Fuuast) entered its 10th day on Wednesday, teachers and representatives of civil society held a joint press conference and demanded an independent audit of the university’s financial and administrative crises.

They also called on the federal government to announce a bailout package to prevent the institution from slipping deeper into crisis.

Held at the Karachi Press Club, the press conference was attended by National Trade Union Federation Pakistan General Secretary Nasir Mansoor, educationist Dr Riaz Sheikh, academic Dr Syed Jaffar Ahmed, Vice Chairman Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Qazi Khizar, Home-Based Women Workers Federation representative Zahra Khan, members of the university’s nominating committee, and office-bearers of the Anjuman-i-Asatza.

They highlighted that the university was facing serious financial and administrative problems that had disrupted academic activities and delayed the payment of salaries and other dues.

Slam university administration for a severe financial and administrative crisis that led to disruption of academic activities

The speakers said the Anjuman-i-Asatza of the Abdul Haq and Gulshan-i-Iqbal campuses had launched the examination boycott over these issues and that despite “pressure and threats from the administration”, the boycott was continuing.

The speakers said the varsity had remained trapped in problems since its establishment in 2002. They criticised the governance structure introduced under the Model University Ordinance, saying it had reduced the representation of teachers and students in key decision-making bodies and weakened democratic accountability within the institution.

Expressing concern over the performance of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, they alleged that administrative, financial and academic problems had worsened during his tenure. They accused the administration of delaying faculty promotions and selection boards, making non-transparent decisions and dismissing permanent teachers without Senate approval. They also questioned the performance of a Rs100 million solar power project, saying it had failed to resolve the university’s electricity problems.

The participants also highlighted delays in the payment of salaries, pensions, house ceiling claims, medical benefits and other financial entitlements. They raised concerns over complaints of harassment, salary deductions despite approved earned leave and the condition of academic facilities on the campuses.

The participants demanded that the HEC make public a report prepared by Dr Raza Chauhan on the university’s affairs and order an independent audit of the current administration’s financial and administrative decisions.

They also called for the reinstatement of dismissed teachers and employees, early payment of outstanding dues, immediate holding of selection boards and restoration of admissions in several departments.

They further urged the government to provide a special bailout package and emergency funding to enable the university to clear outstanding liabilities and prevent further deterioration of academic activities.

Fuuast responds

A Fuuast spokesperson rejected the claims and said the institution was being run as a disciplined academic body.

The spokesperson alleged that certain elements were disrupting academic and administrative affairs by interfering with examinations, snatching students’ answer scripts and forcing teachers to leave examination halls. Despite these incidents, the administration had ensured the continuation of examinations and academic activities to safeguard students’ academic future.

The spokesperson also rejected claims that faculty representation had been removed from the Syndicate, saying no such decision had been taken. He said the university’s financial crisis had existed for around five years, while the present administration had been in office for only two and a half years.

During the current financial year, the university had secured an additional government grant of Rs370 million and introduced reforms aimed at improving governance and financial stability. He added that the university’s solar energy project had reduced electricity bills by more than 50pc.

The spokesperson said an empowered committee formed by the vice chancellor had approved recommendations on the demands of teachers and employees, but claimed that some representatives had shown little interest in continuing negotiations.

Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026