Universities observe black day against govt’s apathy towards higher education

Islamabad: Universities across Pakistan observed a black day on Tuesday following a nationwide call by Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) to protest the continued neglect of the higher education sector by the government.

Faculty members from public-sector universities participated in large numbers, donning black ribbons, displaying protest placards and organising peaceful gatherings on campuses to raise their voices for academic rights, financial justice and institutional autonomy. The demonstrations reflected growing frustration within the academic community over deteriorating working conditions and the erosion of university independence.

One of the central grievances voiced by the academic community was the abolition of the 25 percent tax rebate for teachers, a move that significantly increased the financial burden on faculty members across the country. Protesters condemned the decision, especially in light of the fact that multiple profit-generating organisations were granted tax exemptions in the current federal budget, while the only meaningful incentive previously available to teachers and researchers was withdrawn. This discriminatory action further eroded the morale of the academic workforce and reflected the government’s misplaced priorities, said a statement.

Protesters also expressed strong reservations against the Punjab Universities and Institutes Act 2025, which is widely seen as a direct assault on the autonomy of universities in Punjab. By expanding political and bureaucratic control, the Act threatens the independence of academic institutions and undermines the foundational principles of Higher Education governance.

Furthermore, FAPUASA demanded the revocation of recent amendments to the Sindh Universities Act which permit the appointment of bureaucrats as Vice-Chancellors. The association argued that such moves weaken academic leadership and institutional integrity by sidelining scholars and academic merit in favour of administrative control.

The academic community also highlighted the deteriorating financial conditions of universities, citing inadequate funding by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) due to which universities are unable to pay salaries or not pay in time.