Public universities across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) are mired in a deep financial crisis, causing significant delays in the disbursement of salaries and pensions for both current and retired employees. The ongoing cash crunch has left many academic and administrative staff struggling to meet essential living expenses.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Universities Coordination Council has called on the provincial government to urgently release funds to stabilize the situation and ensure the timely payment of dues.
At a joint press conference held at the Peshawar Press Club, council members including Dr Noor Muhammad, Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, Prof Dr Ihsan Ali, former IR Director Prof Dr Muhammad Rauf, and Prof Dr Noor Jehan voiced strong criticism over the government’s inaction following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Despite education being devolved to the provinces, they noted, meaningful reforms have yet to materialize—particularly the establishment of a functional provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The speakers highlighted that there have been no promotions for university professors since 2018, while the financial conditions of these institutions continue to worsen.
“Professors are working without pay, and retirees are left without pensions,” lamented Prof Dr Ihsan Ali. “Some were even unable to buy clothes for their children this Eid.”
Dr Noor Muhammad added that the crisis illustrates not only a failure in financial management but also a stark absence of compassion from those in authority.
The council emphasized that the provincial government must take responsibility for ensuring regular pension disbursement and adequate funding for public universities. Many employees who retired as early as 2019 are still awaiting pension payments and post-retirement benefits.
The group also urged the creation of an independent provincial HEC, staffed by competent education professionals, to help address the persistent academic, administrative, and financial problems faced by universities.
They further recommended increased budgetary allocations for higher education in the upcoming fiscal year to prevent the recurrence of such crises.
In a move aimed at generating actionable solutions, the Peshawar University Teachers Association (PUTA) is set to host an ‘Educational Jirga’ on May 15. The gathering will include civil society representatives, educationists, political leaders, and journalists, with invitations extended to the provincial government.
“The purpose of this Jirga is to formulate practical strategies to pull universities out of financial distress and to advocate for the establishment of a fully functional Higher Education Commission in the province,” the council concluded.
