A Waseem Khattak
The universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) are currently engulfed in severe challenges. From financial crises to administrative complexities, the situation is dire. Adding to these woes are government policies which, despite claims of granting autonomy, have subjected educational institutions to increased pressure. This has not only impacted the quality of education but also created significant hurdles for teachers, students, and administrative staff.
The financial issues of universities have reached such an alarming level that paying salaries and pensions has become a daunting task. To address this temporarily, the government announced a grant of PKR 3 billion, out of which PKR 1 billion was immediately allocated for salaries and pensions. However, this is merely a short-term fix. The real problem arises when the government suggests selling university-owned land to cover liabilities. These lands, which are the universities’ assets and future investments, being sold off to resolve immediate issues, is perceived as a direct assault on their autonomy.
Administrative challenges are equally troubling. Among the province’s 19 public universities, the appointment of vice-chancellors has been delayed. A vice-chancellor, being the head of an institution and responsible for crucial decisions, is essential for the smooth functioning of universities. This delay has crippled the system. Even the Supreme Court has taken serious notice of the issue and directed the government to take immediate action, but the situation remains unchanged.
Recent amendments by the government have further complicated matters. Under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Universities Amendment Bill 2024, the chancellor’s role has been transferred from the governor to the chief minister. This decision has raised questions about autonomy and disrupted the administrative structure of universities. The chief minister, already burdened with numerous responsibilities, will now directly intervene in university matters, potentially creating more problems.
Faculty associations like FAPUASA are deeply discontented with these circumstances. They argue that the Higher Education Department (HED) minister and secretary are bypassing university acts and regulations to impose decisions on institutions. According to them, universities are autonomous entities and should be allowed to make their own decisions. However, when they defy such government notifications, they are financially and administratively penalized, reflecting an unjust system.
Recently, the government issued a notification exempting BS-09 and lower-grade posts from the ETEA process. While this might be suitable for government departments, its application in universities undermines transparency and merit, raising serious concerns.
These actions highlight a lack of trust between the government and universities. The same government that claims to support the autonomy of educational institutions is seen pressuring them into compliance. If this continues, universities risk losing their academic and administrative integrity, leading to a significant educational crisis.
The time has come for all stakeholders—government, faculty, and administration—to come together and take serious steps toward resolving these issues. Education is not just an institutional concern but a matter for the entire society, and its survival depends on ensuring transparency, autonomy, and the preservation of merit.
