KARACHI (Education Reporter)
The ongoing financial and administrative crisis at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) has taken a critical turn. Crucial negotiations between the university teachers and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari have completely failed, following which the teachers announced a major decision to continue their boycott of examinations in support of their demands.
According to details, as soon as Vice-Chancellor Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari arrived in Karachi from Islamabad, teachers already gathered at the university’s administrative block staged a fierce protest against the non-payment of salaries, pensions, house ceiling, outstanding dues, and the suspension of medical facilities. Later, in an attempt to resolve the crisis, a two-hour-long meeting was held between the Vice-Chancellor and representatives of the teachers from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Department of Geology.
Inside Story of the Negotiations and VC’s Stance
According to sources, the Vice-Chancellor flatly refused to reinstate or immediately provide salaries, house ceilings, pensions, medical facilities, or hold a full selection board. Representatives of the teachers alleged that the Vice-Chancellor maintained an uncompromising attitude during the talks. He explicitly stated that the administration is currently not in a position to clear these outstanding dues. The Vice-Chancellor’s stance was that he is attempting to steer the university out of the financial crisis by conducting examinations early to collect funds through student fees.
Reaction and Serious Allegations by Teachers
Rejecting the Vice-Chancellor’s stance outright, the teachers’ representatives stated that utilizing charity funds for university operations compromises the dignity of the institution. They clarified that according to the decisions of the Academic Council and the official academic calendar, the teaching duration has not yet been completed; therefore, forcing examinations without completing the semester is completely out of the question.
The teachers further added that the Vice-Chancellor has miserably failed to provide basic facilities not only to the employees but also to the students. The majority of the university buildings are in a dilapidated state, restrooms are unusable, and there is no arrangement even for clean drinking water on the campus. The teachers vowed that the boycott of academic and examination activities would continue until their legitimate demands are met.