Gilani assures support for addressing financial challenges facing public universities

A high-level delegation of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA), led by its Central President Professor Dr. Ikhtiar Ghumro, called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, to discuss the severe financial crisis confronting public sector universities and the growing fiscal challenges facing the higher education sector. The delegation included FAPUASA General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Mudassar, former President Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, and Dr. Muzaffar Seharvi. During the meeting, the delegation presented a detailed briefing on the financial and administrative difficulties being faced by public universities across the country. FAPUASA informed the Chairman Senate that the recurring grant allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has remained frozen at Rs. 65 billion for the last nine years, placing universities under serious financial stress and adversely affecting academic operations nationwide. The delegation highlighted that due to stagnant funding, universities are facing increasing difficulties in meeting salary obligations, pension liabilities, and rising utility expenditures. As a result, the educational future of nearly three million students—particularly those belonging to low- and middle-income families—has come under significant pressure.