FAPUASA condemns attack on ASA rights

Islamabad:Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has strongly condemned the administration of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) for issuing an unlawful explanation notice to Dr Orangzaib of the Physics Department.

The notice issued earlier this week accuses Dr Orangzaib of ‘misconduct’ for facilitating the election process for a democratic Academic Staff Association (ASA) without ‘prior approval’ and threatens disciplinary action under administrative rules.

FAPUASA considers this move a direct attack on constitutionally protected rights, academic freedom and faculty welfare. The organisation points out that demanding prior approval to form an association is a clear violation of Article 17(1) of the Constitution of Pakistan which explicitly guarantees every citizen the right to form associations or unions.

According to FAPUASA, the attempt to punish Dr Orangzaib for exercising this right under the guise of disciplinary procedure represents an unacceptable abuse of authority and a misuse of the Efficiency and Discipline (E&D) Rules.

Moreover, FAPUASA highlighted that the suppression of faculty efforts to form an ASA undermines institutional governance and the fundamental principles of academic freedom. Academic Staff Associations are globally recognised as legitimate and essential platforms for faculty representation and safeguarding academic standards. Any attempt to prevent their formation or intimidate those involved is not only regressive but also damaging to the university’s reputation and academic integrity.

FAPUASA demanded the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the explanation notice issued to Dr Orangzaib. The organization further called on the FUUAST administration to publicly assure the faculty that no punitive action will be taken against any member exercising their constitutional right to association. Additionally, FAPUASA insisted on a formal commitment from the university to recognise and engage with the democratically elected ASA without obstruction or delay.