Alumni demands bailout package for QAU

Islamabad: The alumni of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) have demanded that the federal government should announce an immediate bailout package to overcome the financial crisis faced by the top-ranked higher education institution in Pakistan, named after the country's founder.

Based on its exceptional performance in the recent QS World University Ranking, the alumni demanded necessary financial support to overcome the annual deficit of over 800 million rupees, enabling the institution to achieve more laurels at regional and international levels.

This demand was made during an important meeting of the Core Committee of the QAU Alumni Association Founders Group, chaired by Dr. Abdul Basit and attended by senior Quaidians. The participants assured their utmost cooperation to QAU in resolving this critical issue, which would severely affect the day to day functioning and performance of this prestigious federal institution.

The QAU alumni, as per past practice, stand with its alma mater at this critical time, and joint strategy would be chalked out in consultation with all the stakeholders as it collective responsibility of all of us to save this leading federal higher education institution of Pakistan whose alumni are rendering valuable services in various sectors in Pakistan and abroad. The meeting was informed that since January 2023, QAU has been unable to make payments for teaching, lab chemicals, pensions, students' fellowships and scholarships, and even office stationery items.

The alumni resolved that, as the Prime Minister of Pakistan has recently declared an education emergency in the country, QAU should be provided with a bailout package immediately to save the future of over twelve thousand enrolled students. It was unanimously decided to continue practical efforts and strengthen existing initiatives aimed at the welfare of Quaidians, promoting togetherness, positivity, and connectivity among Quaidians and paying back to their alma mater.

Additionally, it was decided to strengthen the Quaidians Commoners Academy under the supervision of Khalid Masood, former Principal Secretary to the President of Pakistan who would provide guidance to young Quaidians.