K-P universities face severe financial crisis

Public sector universities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are facing a severe financial crisis, leading to delays in salary and pension payments for employees and retirees.
The situation has raised serious concern among academic and administrative staff, many of whom are struggling to cover basic living expenses.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Universities Coordination Council has urged the provincial government to immediately release funds to address the crisis and ensure the timely disbursement of salaries and pensions.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, council members Dr Noor Muhammad, Prof Dr Qibla Ayaz, Prof Dr Ihsan Ali, former Director IR Prof Dr Muhammad Rauf, and Prof Dr Noor Jehan criticized the government's inaction since the passage of the18th Constitutional Amendment.
They noted that despite the devolution of powers to provinces, no meaningful reforms have been implemented in the education sector—particularly the delayed establishment of a provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The speakers pointed out that since 2018, universities have seen no promotions for professors, while financial conditions continue to deteriorate.
"Universities across the province are facing a crippling financial crunch. Professors go unpaid, and retired employees are left without pensions," said Prof Dr Ihsan Ali.
They revealed that many academic staff and pensioners were unable to buy clothes for their children during Eid due to unpaid dues.
"This reflects not only financial mismanagement but also a lack of empathy from those in power," said Dr Noor Muhammad.
Council representatives stressed that it is the provincial government's responsibility to ensure timely and uninterrupted payment of pensions and to fund public universities adequately.
They added that many employees who retired as far back as 2019 have yet to receive their pensions or other post-retirement benefits.
The council demanded the establishment of an independent provincial HEC staffed with qualified education experts to help universities overcome administrative, academic, and financial challenges.
They also called for sufficient budgetary allocations in the upcoming fiscal year to prevent the recurrence of such crises.
In a significant move, the Peshawar University Teachers Association (PUTA) is organizing an 'Educational Jirga' on May 15. The event will bring together stakeholders from across K-P, including civil society, political leaders, educationists, and journalists. The provincial government has also been invited to participate.
"This Jirga aims to propose viable solutions to pull universities out of their current financial crisis and to support the formation of a functional Higher Education Commission in the province," said the council in its concluding remarks.

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