FAPUASA observes nationwide black day

Islamabad:On the call of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA), faculty members across universities in Pakistan observed a Black Day on Monday under the banner of the ongoing "Movement to Protect Higher Education."

The protest witnessed large participation of university teachers who tied black ribbons, displayed banners and placards and raised slogans to press for their long-standing demands. Faculty members expressed serious concern over the government’s persistent neglect of higher education, demanding an immediate increase in the budget to Rs200 billion.

It is important to note that recurring grant in higher education budget from which salary and pension are paid is frozen to Rs65 billion since 2018 by not adding the effects of annual increments, addition of new universities, increases in salaries and pension and ignoring inflation.

Another key concern was the 25% tax rebate, which was presented in the Finance Bill with a restriction limiting it to the current fiscal year only. Faculty strongly rejected this limitation, demanding full restoration and continuation of the rebate in coming years. They also reiterated their long-pending demands for the implementation of a fair and transparent promotion policy for BPS faculty and revision of TTS salaries also stagnant since 2021.

As part of the ongoing protest campaign, FAPUASA announced a peaceful demonstration to be held in front of the National Press Club today (June 17), at 4 pm.

FAPUASA leadership emphasised that higher education is the backbone of a knowledge-based economy and its continued neglect not only undermines the welfare of university faculty, but also puts at risk the future of students, research and Pakistan’s national development. The federation reiterated its firm resolve to continue the peaceful struggle until the genuine demands of the academic community are addressed.