A delegation of Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) led by the central President DrAmjad Abbas Magsi met with senior leadership of Pakistan People Party including Syed Qasim Gelani(MNa), Aagha Rafi Ullah MNA, PuhlainBaloch MNA from National Party Balochistan. The delegation expressed the serious consequences of low funding for the higher education sector, which will directly affect the affordability and accessibility of the poor segment of society toward higher education. The FAPUASA delegation appreciated the support of financial allocation for the higher education sector, particularly by the Sindh government.
The delegates said that the higher education sector is in a state of serious emergency, which needs urgent attention and enhanced budget allocations. On the other hand, the tax rebate available to the teachers and researchers is being withdrawn.
The delegates said that limited government funding and inadequate resource allocation hinder the development of universities. Insufficient facilities, outdated libraries, and inadequate funds for which universities have to increase their fee many times. The FAPUASA leadership urges the federal government to allocate Rs500 billion for higher education, which will still be far less than promised 4% of GDP. They also demanded budget allocations for Universities from Punjab and KPK governments.
Delegates from Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association included General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Uzair, Vice President Dr Mazhar Iqbal, President Balochistan Chapter Dr Kaleem Ullah Bareach, President Islamabad Chapter Dr Muhammd Iqbal Jatoi, Central Information Secretary Dr Ahtisham Ali and Dr Aqeel Bukhari were also present on the occasion.
