FAPUASA Sindh Continues Strike, Demands Reversal of Government Decisions
The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Sindh Chapter has announced the continuation of its strike in public universities across Sindh on Monday and Tuesday. The protest, which has led to the suspension of academic activities, will remain in place until the government reconsiders its decisions, according to Express News.
FAPUASA Sindh is calling for the withdrawal of proposed amendments to the Universities Act, particularly regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors. The association is also demanding an end to the practice of hiring faculty on a contract basis.
Abdul Rahman Nungraj, General Secretary of FAPUASA Sindh, stated that any disruption in students’ education due to the protest would be the responsibility of the government. He voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating state of higher education in Sindh, blaming ineffective government policies for the decline. “The foundation of our nation’s development, higher education, is in critical condition,” he said.
To address ongoing issues, FAPUASA Sindh will hold an online meeting on January 20 to discuss strategies for future action. The association has called on teachers, students, political leaders, civil society members, and journalists to join their efforts, emphasizing that this struggle is not only for teachers’ rights but for the preservation of higher education in Sindh.
The Sindh chapter of FAPUASA has also raised alarms about proposed amendments that could undermine university autonomy. They argue that bureaucrats, who lack experience in teaching and research, would be unsuitable leaders for universities, resulting in a decline in educational standards and research output. “These changes would bring universities under bureaucratic control, which will harm both education and research,” Nungraj warned.
The issue of hiring teachers on a contract basis remains another significant concern. FAPUASA Sindh believes that this policy destabilizes the academic system, and the complications surrounding No Objection Certificates (NOCs) will make matters worse.
The declaration of approved PhD programs under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad as illegal has raised alarm among academic staff. FAPUASA Sindh argues that these developments pose a direct threat to students’ futures and will weaken the research capabilities of universities. Additionally, Sindh’s public universities are already facing severe financial crises, further hindering teaching and research.
FAPUASA Sindh’s demands include the restoration of university autonomy, a clear policy for the permanent appointment of teaching staff, the return of NOC powers to Vice Chancellors, and the allocation of sufficient financial resources to address the ongoing challenges faced by universities.
