Teachers laud restoration of 25pc tax rebate

Islamabad:Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, President, Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA), has appreciated the Federal Cabinet’s decision to restore the 25 per cent tax exemption for full-time university faculty members and researchers.

He congratulated university teachers and researchers across the country on this significant achievement.

Dr Magsi acknowledged the support and unity of faculty members, which played a decisive role in securing this success. He also expressed gratitude to the Federal and Punjab governments for recognising and addressing this legitimate demand. Additionally, he appreciated the support of parliamentarians, political leaders and the media, whose efforts helped bring this issue to national attention. He especially lauded the support of Vice-Chancellor's Forum and the Federal Tax Ombudsperson in restoring the legitimate benefit of the academics in universities.

He further emphasised that while this is an important step forward, several financial issues affecting universities across the country remain unresolved. He urged the government to take immediate measures to increase university funding to ensure academic and institutional stability. He stressed the need to grant universities greater autonomy, allowing them to function independently and make decisions in the best interest of higher education. Additionally, he called for the introduction of a dedicated teaching allowance for university faculty, recognising their invaluable contributions to research and education.

Dr Magsi reaffirmed that FAPUASA remains committed to advocating for these essential reforms and will continue to press the government to fulfil its responsibilities toward the academic community.

Meanwhile, the federal cabinet's decision to approve the reinstatement of a 25 per cent tax rebate for full-time teachers and researchers has been welcomed by the Federal Government College Teachers Association (FGCTA) saying the long-awaited relief is a victory for teachers achieved through persistent advocacy and collective struggle.

FGCTA President Professor Akram Khan Khosa declared it a positive step and urged the government to introduce further incentives for teachers, who are "a deprived class" in need of greater financial support.

Teachers expressed gratitude to the policymakers, supportive leaders, and media for their role in restoring this crucial benefit. They believed that the decision would not only ease financial burdens but also encourage higher education professionals to continue their valuable contributions to the academic sector.