Federal Budget: FAPUASA Punjab expresses disappointment
LAHORE: The Punjab Chapter of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) has strongly condemned the federal government's recently announced salary increase for government employees in the 2025-26 budget, branding it "insufficient" in the face of soaring inflation.
The association issued an urgent call for immediate measures to support university teachers whose socio-economic conditions are rapidly deteriorating.
Leading the criticism, Dr. Muhammad Islam, General Secretary of the Academic Staff Association (ASA) at Punjab University, and Dr. Riaz Hussain Khan Sindhar, President of the ASA at Islamia University Bahawalpur, expressed profound disappointment with the federal budget unveiled on June 10th. They emphasized that the announced pay raise fails to address the severe financial hardship experienced by government servants, particularly those in the higher education sector.
"The teachers are the nation-builders, and in all civilized societies, they are treated with dignity and care," stated Dr. Muhammad Islam in a press release issued Thursday. He lamented that despite this vital role, the federal budget once again neglected to include any special incentive or relief package specifically for university teachers, leaving them vulnerable to rampant inflation.
The academic leaders voiced serious concerns extending beyond faculty salaries. They highlighted the static recurring grant allocated to public sector universities, which remains unchanged from the previous fiscal year.
Dr. Islam and Dr. Sindhar warned that this financial stagnation will critically exacerbate the already precarious economic situation faced by universities and their employees. They argued that this lack of funding will severely hamper essential academic and research activities, directly contradicting the government's stated commitment to building a knowledge-based economy, which they termed "hollow rhetoric."
A specific demand was raised regarding the frozen salaries of faculty members under the Tenure Track System (TTS), which have reportedly remained unchanged for many years. The FAPUASA Punjab leadership demanded an immediate increase in their pay.
Furthermore, Dr. Islam issued a direct demand to the federal government for immediate clarification. He insisted that the announced 30% Disparity Reduction Allowance (DRA) must be extended to university teachers without any discrimination or procedural delays. "The pay disparity between university faculty and their counterparts in other government departments has reached alarming levels," Dr. Islam stated. He recalled the past "injustice" of university teachers being excluded from the DRA and issued a stark warning: "A repeat of that injustice will compel university teachers to take to the streets in protest." Additionally, he demanded that the recently restored 25% tax rebate be explicitly extended to the coming years.
Looking towards the provincial level, FAPUASA Punjab called upon the Punjab government to take bold action in its upcoming budget, scheduled for announcement on June 13, 2025.
The association urged the provincial leadership to ensure that the salary increase for Punjab government employees surpasses the percentage offered by the federal government. Crucially, they demanded that the 30% DRA be granted equitably to all provincial employees, explicitly including university teachers within Punjab.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Conversion of Hindu minors triggers community uproar
The conversion of three Hindu sisters and their male cousin - two of them minors — to Islam in Sindh's Sanghar district sparked a backlash from the local Hindu community on Wednesday. Acting on urgent appeals from the parents of 13-year-old Hunain Kumar, 16-year-old Jiya, 19-year-old Disha, and 22-year-old Diya — as well as the Hindu Panchayat — police recovered all four on Thursday and arrested the suspect allegedly responsible for the conversions. The three sisters and their cousin had left home without informing their families on Wednesday morning. Later that day, they released video messages stating they had accepted Islam of their own free will, without coercion. They also claimed they feared being harmed by their families for their decision. At a press conference, the mothers of the siblings — visibly distressed and weeping — accused a local computer teacher, Farhan Khaskheli, of brainwashing and abducting the children. "I want my son back. He is only 13 years old and cannot understand religion," said Hunain Kumar's mother, breaking down in tears. She appealed directly to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to help recover her son. The girls' mother also held Khaskheli responsible for the alleged conversion and abduction. "I have three daughters, and Khaskheli has taken all of them," she said through tears. Rajesh Kumar, head of the Hindu Panchayat, described the incident as not just a family tragedy, but a communal one. "These girls are not just daughters of Hindus — they are daughters of Sindh," he said, while showing their photos and questioning whether they were mature enough to decide to change their religion. Kumar added that the Hindu community had always lived in harmony with their Muslim neighbours and actively participated in Islamic festivals and local customs. He thanked civil society and politicians for their support and announced that the panchayat had held an emergency meeting in Sanghar on Wednesday. Sanghar SSP Ghulam Nabi Keerio visited the panchayat during the meeting and assured the community of swift police action. The FIR was registered on the basis of the parents' complaint.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
NA Speaker, Fazl discuss federal budget
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Chief Maulan Fazlur Rehman discussed Federal Budget 2025-26 and agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. Speaker Sadiq met with JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazl in his chamber at the Parliament House on Thursday. During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the overall political situation of the country, the upcoming federal budget for the next fiscal year, and the emerging regional scenario in light of the Iran-Israel conflict. The meeting discussed Federal Budget 2025-26. Both leaders agreed on the need to ensure budgetary allocations for the development of smaller provinces, economic stability, and public welfare projects. The NA speaker noted that, for the first time in parliamentary history, parliamentary committees have been made more active in the budget proposal process so that constructive input from all stakeholders can be incorporated. Maulana Fazl expressed deep concern over the Iran-Israel war, stating that "in the current situation, the entire Muslim Ummah must demonstrate unity, solidarity, and foresight to ensure that efforts for peace in the region are not undermined." He emphasised that Pakistan should further intensify its diplomatic efforts to play a reconciliatory role within the Muslim world. On this occasion, Speaker Sadiq stated, "Pakistan has openly condemned Israeli aggression and reiterated its friendship and solidarity with Iran. We have effectively presented our stance regarding Palestine and Iran on all international forums, and the Parliament stands in complete support of this position." He stated that, all political parties must speak with one voice in the national interest to strengthen Pakistan's foreign policy on the global stage. Maulana Fazl congratulated Speaker Sadiq on performing Hajj and expressed best wishes for him. Governor of Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail was also present during the meeting. In conclusion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting democratic traditions, strengthening national unity, and continuing joint efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Govt comes under attack in NA for ignoring agri sector
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP Lawmakers from the treasury and opposition benches on Thursday welcomed improved economic indicators and emphasized the need for bipartisan efforts to sustain economic progress and promote inclusive growth. Resuming the budget debate, Raja Qamar-ul-Islam of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) praised the budget as historic and lauded the role of Pakistan's armed forces in sending a firm message to India. He expressed confidence that the budget 2025-26 would pave the way for sustainable economic growth in the country. Amir Dogar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) criticized the government for overlooking the agriculture sector and called for raising the minimum wage to Rs 50,000. Atif Khan of SIC criticized the budget and stressed relief measures for the poor segment of society. Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) legislator Shagufta Jumani appreciated the government for allocating significant funds to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). She also urged the government to allocate dedicated funds for polio eradication, emphasizing the importance of sustained public health efforts. Rana Hayat proposed the creation of a special House committee to focus on the problems faced by farmers, a vital segment of the economy. MNA Usama Ahmed Mela, emphasizing the critical role of agriculture in national development, called on the government to provide incentives for farmers, including subsidies for fertilizer, pesticide and broader agricultural reforms. He also suggested a review of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) authority, indicating concerns about its administrative reach.
