PESHAWAR
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has expressed serious concern over the continued neglect of critical issues faced by university teachers across the country.
In a statement, the association said that despite repeated engagements with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and other relevant government institutions, key demands remain unresolved.
These include the restoration of the 25 percent tax rebate for university teachers, formulation and implementation of a fair development policy under the Basic Pay Scale (BPS), and revision of salaries under the Tenure Track System (TTS).
The FAPUASA leadership noted that during several meetings with the HEC, assurances were given that the BPS development policy would be finalized in consultation with vice-chancellors.
However, no tangible progress has been made, nor has any official information been shared so far, leading to growing disappointment within the academic community.
Similarly, the association said that a promised follow-up meeting after joint discussions involving the HEC, Planning Commission, and FAPUASA on the issue of TTS salaries has yet to take place.
The federation termed this delay as a sign of institutional insincerity.
The association of public sector universities demanded the immediate restoration of the 25 percent tax rebate, the implementation of a transparent and equitable development policy, and a sustainable increase in salaries under the Tenure Track System.
The federation emphasized that the economic conditions and professional dignity of university teachers have been severely affected due to the absence of salary increases amid persistent inflation over the past four years.
Warning of possible escalation, the universities stated that if the government and the HEC fail to demonstrate seriousness in addressing these legitimate demands within a reasonable timeframe, the federation would be compelled to take decisive action. This may include protests and the closure of universities across the country.
