Concern over lack of funds for research centres

LAHORE: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has expressed deep concern over the weak financial situation of various research centres of excellence - Pakistan Study Centres (PSCs) and area study centres across the country.

FAPUASA President Prof Dr Kaleemullah Bareach, General Secretary Prof Dr Akhtiar Ghumro and all Central Executive Council members in their joint press statement issued on Monday observed that these esteemed institutions, which were established in 1976 to produce researchers, that historically had been at the forefront of academic research, were currently facing a severe financial crunch that threatened their ability to function effectively.

“It is very unfortunate that all of these research centres are unable to pay the enhanced salaries, which included a commendable 35 and 30 percent increase in salaries while the teachers and employees are deprived of approved allowances, including house requisition,” their statement reads.

FAPUASA observed that this critical financial situation was having a profound and detrimental impact on the research environment within these centers.

“On behalf of FAPUASA Central, we demand the government, as well as the Higher Education Commission (HEC), take immediate and decisive measures to alleviate the financial distress faced by the employees, faculty, and these esteemed research centres,” FAPUASA demanded and warned that failure to address this issue in a timely manner would not only affect the livelihoods of those dedicated to academic pursuits but also hamper the progress and growth of our nation.

Meanwhile, PU-ASA Secretary Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, who is associated with PU Pakistan Study Centre (PSC), said that the federal government had granted the increase in salaries on running basic salaries in June 2023. But the HEC did not shift this due right to the centres like PSC whereas the HEC adopted this increase for its own staff.“The discrimination with faculty and staff of the Centres is highly questionable which needs to be redressed with immediate effect,” he said in a separate statement.