THE recent announcement of a 20 per cent increase in the annual grant for the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) is a welcome step. However, it is unlikely to resolve the institution’s long-standing financial crisis, particularly the plight of its retired faculty members and employees. The government needs to address the issue in its entirety rather than merely providing temporary financial relief.

For years, retired faculty members and staff have been waiting for the payment of their lawful retirement dues. More than 200 families, including widows, orphaned children, elderly pensioners and individuals suffering from serious illnesses, continue to face severe financial hardship because these payments have remained unsettled. Tragically, several retired teachers and other employees have passed away while waiting for their dues.

The university reportedly holds a pension fund exceeding Rs1 billion, while its outstanding liabilities to retired faculty members and employees amount to approximately Rs250 million. The Federal Ombudsman has already directed the university to utilise the pension fund for the payment of these outstanding retire-ment benefits, but that has not been done. Releasing these funds would provide immediate relief to hundreds of deserving families.

Although the increase in the annual grant is appreciated, much of the additional allocation is expected to be absorbed by the recent salary increase for serving employees. As a result, very little funding is likely to be available for clearing the accumulated liabilities owed to the retired employees.

The relevant authorities, especially the federal education ministry, should authorise the release of the pension fund to settle these long-overdue payments.

Apart from providing much-needed relief to the retired employees, such a decision would not only honour the ombudsman’s directive, but also uphold the principles of justice, dignity and human compassion.

Dr Tauseef Ahmed Khan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026