FAPUASA discusses financial crunch with MPs

Islamabad:A delegation of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has held a meeting with Parliamentarians in the Parliament House here on Monday to discuss financial disaster the higher education sector is currently facing.

Led by its President Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi, the FAPUASA team comprising central and provincial office-bearers apprised the senior leadership of Pakistan People’s Party, Syed Qasim Geelani (MNA), Agha Rafiullah (MNA), National Party MNA Pullain Baloch and Akhunzada Chatan about the sorry state of affairs in the public-sector universities of Pakistan.

The FAPUASA delegation demanded the enhancement of budget for higher education up to Rs500 billion. It demanded the resumption of 75% tax exemption which was previously available for university teachers and researchers. The delegation warned of serious consequences of low funding for the higher education sector which will directly affect the affordability and accessibility of the teachers and other staff. The FAPUASA delegation appreciated the support expressed by legislators in the country to strive for increased financial allocation for the higher education sector particularly by the Sindh government.

The FAPUASA delegation also called on senators Jan Muhammad Buledi of National Party, Masroor Ahsan of Pakistan People’s Party, Haji Hidayatullah of Awami National Party, Saifullah Abro of Tehreek-e-Insaf Pakistan and Khalida Ateeb of MQM.

The parliamentarians endorsed the demand of the FAPUASA delegation assuring them to address these issues in the Parliament and at the government level.

The FAPUASA delegation included Dr Mazhar Iqbal (vice-president), Dr Muhammad Uzair (GS), Dr Ahtisham Ali (Information Secretary), Dr Kaleemullah Bareach (president, Balo­chistan Chapter), Dr Muh­ammd Iqbal Jatoi (president, Islamabad Chapter) and Dr Aqeel Bukhari from Quaid-i-Azam University.