PESHAWAR: The All Pakistan Universities Employees Federation, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, has strongly condemned the recent directive issued by the Higher Education Department, which makes all university recruitments and employee promotions subject to departmental approval. The federation termed the move an interference in the autonomy of universities. According to the federation, the new policy could unnecessarily complicate the promotion process, negatively impacting employees’ professional growth and creating uncertainty regarding their career progression. Federation officials have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the policy and urged that the promotion process be carried out under the previous system. They emphasized the need for consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including teachers and employees, before formulating any policies affecting universities. They further stressed that instead of creating additional hurdles, the government should prioritize resolving the existing issues faced by university employees. “University employees are an integral part of the higher education system, and ensuring their rights should be a top priority for the government,” they stated. The federation warned that if the policy was not revoked, a province-wide protest movement would be launched after Eid under its banner. DLP Report
