FAPUASA announces nationwide protests against neglecting higher education

Islamabad : In an Executive Council (EC) meeting of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) held on Friday, the EC unanimously expressed serious concern over the Federal Government's neglect of the higher education sector in the recently announced budget for FY2025-26.

The meeting was presided by Dr Mazhar Iqbal (President).

Despite repeated assurances, the Federal Government once again failed to address the critical financial needs of universities. It lamented that the annual recurring grant for higher education remained stagnant at Rs65 billion since 2018, despite a massive increase in the overall federal budget, from Rs 5.9 trillion in 2018 to Rs17.5 trillion in 2025, marking a 196% increase. Over the same period, the number of public sector universities increased from 126 to 156, resulting in significant financial pressure that remains unaddressed.

Adding to the crisis, provinces, with the exception of Sindh, have not allocated any meaningful support to universities, leaving most public sector institutions struggling to meet even their basic obligations such as payment of salaries, pensions and operational expenses. The situation is pushing many universities to the brink of financial collapse.

FAPUASA emphasised the urgent need for an immediate and substantial increase in the recurring grant, at least Rs200 billion to ensure the financial sustainability of the higher education sector.

In addition, FAPUASA expressed strong reservations regarding the unresolved issue of the 25% tax rebate for teachers and researchers.

During the 14th meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue, chaired by Dr Nafisa Shah, the Secretary Revenue assured committee members that the clause "and shall cease to have effect after tax year 2025" would be removed.