DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter has voiced strong concern over the provincial government’s “undue and illegal” interference in universities and has called for the immediate cancellation of a recent notification regarding recruitment, promotions, and the appointment of permanent Vice Chancellors.
The demand was made during a meeting chaired by Professor Dr Humayun Khan and attended by the presidents of all university associations in the province. The participants criticized the provincial government’s actions, emphasizing that, following the 18th Constitutional Amendment; it is the provincial government’s responsibility to enact effective legislation for higher education.
They expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to meet this constitutional duty and address the financial challenges faced by universities.
The meeting also called for the establishment of a provincial-level Higher Education Commission, similar to the federal model, with adequate funding to resolve the financial issues of universities.
Furthermore, they demanded the immediate withdrawal of recent amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa University Act, the cancellation of the recent notification issued by the Higher Education Department (HED), and the appointment of permanent Vice Chancellors at universities.
The association made it clear that if their demands are not addressed, they will escalate their protest, beginning with a university employees’ demonstration in Peshawar next week. The protest will continue until their demands are met, with the potential to extend to Bani Gala if necessary.
