Karachi University teachers agree to end month-long exam boycott after government intervention

Karachi: The teachers’ association of the University of Karachi has agreed to end its month-long boycott of examinations and academic activities following negotiations with authorities.

The development comes after the Sindh government formed a high-level committee to address financial and administrative issues at the university. A formal notification was issued by Secretary Sindh Higher Education Commission, Nauman Ahsan.

According to officials, the boycott is expected to be called off immediately without the implementation of house ceiling allowance and leave encashment demands at this stage.

The decision followed a meeting between representatives of the Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS), employees’ and officers’ welfare associations, and officials of the Higher Education Commission and the Universities and Boards Department.

As per the notification, a high-powered committee has been constituted to review the issues faced by teaching and non-teaching staff of the university. The committee will be headed by the Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission as convener, with members including the Secretary Universities and Boards Department, Secretary Sindh Higher Education Commission, President KUTS Ghufran Alam, President Employees Welfare Association Zahid Baloch, and President Officers Welfare Association Faisal Hashmi.

The committee will examine grievances raised by university staff, including policy, financial implications, and administrative matters, and will consult all stakeholders. It is required to submit its recommendations within 40 days.

The notification further stated that representatives of KUTS, Employees Welfare Association, and Officers Welfare Association have agreed to immediately end the ongoing boycott of examinations.

University administration will now reschedule the affected examinations and announce a revised exam timetable shortly.