Balochistan University Faculty Express Concerns Over Delayed Salaries and Lack of Support

Quetta:The Academic Staff Association (ASA) of the University of Balochistan has raised serious concerns over the non-payment of salaries and pensions, stating that faculty and staff have yet to receive their December salaries, and the January month is nearly over with no sign of payment.

In a joint statement, the ASA’s President Professor Dr. Kaleem Ullah Barich, Vice President Dr. Shabeer Ahmed Shahwani, General Secretary Fareed Khan Achakzai, Joint Secretary Madam Zahra Malghani, Press Secretary Rehmat Ullah Achakzai, Finance Secretary Professor Dr. Saibzada Baz Mohammad Kakhar, and Executive Members Arbab Raza Kasi, Madam Farhana Umar Magsi, Dr. Mohib Ullah Kakhar, Dr. Gul Mohammad, and Masood Mandokhel strongly criticized the situation.

The statement noted that despite the alarming situation, neither the Higher Education Commission (HEC) nor the provincial government seemed to be concerned. The association pointed out that the University of Balochistan, being the oldest and most prestigious educational institution in the province, is facing an ongoing financial crisis. The faculty expressed their frustration over the lack of action from the authorities, accusing them of being indifferent to the issues affecting the academic community.

The ASA also highlighted the provincial government’s failure to establish a Provincial Higher Education Commission (HEC) and criticized the allocation of only 15 billion rupees for all universities in the province out of a budget worth hundreds of billions. This, they argued, is the root cause of the delay in salary payments.

The statement further emphasized the deteriorating living conditions of faculty, officers, and staff, who are becoming increasingly distressed as they continue to raise their concerns without receiving any meaningful response. Despite numerous protests, media statements, and repeated demands, the authorities have not taken any decisive action.

The ASA leaders have made a strong appeal to the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance to ensure that the Chief Minister’s directives are implemented promptly and that the university receives the necessary funding. They also urged Chief Minister Sardar Sarfraz Bugti to take notice of the delayed implementation of his orders and ensure that faculty and staff are not left to suffer due to the inaction of relevant authorities.