UPPER DIR (Syed Zahid Jan) — The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University protest has entered its third consecutive week, with employees rallying under the University Employees Union. They demand fulfillment of long-standing rights and promises. Despite earlier commitments by Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Shahab—made in the presence of Assistant Commissioner Sheringal Fayaz Khan and MPA Malik Gul Ibrahim—staff say those assurances remain unmet.
Dr. Riaz Ahmad, head of the Joint Action Committee, said employees no longer trust the Vice Chancellor. Although local leaders, political representatives, and district officials have held multiple rounds of talks, they failed to produce results. Instead of resolving concerns, the Vice Chancellor continues to delay action, according to union representatives.
Khurram Murad, President of the Massey Welfare Association, noted that employees approached the administration with cooperation. However, he added, the Vice Chancellor showed no intent to resolve matters amicably.
In response, the union announced an expansion of the protest. Staff will suspend all university activities until their demands are addressed. Future actions will be decided collectively, and the protest will continue until meaningful progress occurs.
The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University protest reflects growing frustration over administrative inaction and broken promises. As tensions rise, stakeholders—including faculty, students, and community leaders—are urging swift resolution to prevent further disruption.
Meanwhile, students have expressed concern over halted classes and delayed assessments. Many fear academic loss if the deadlock continues. Parents and civil society members have also called for immediate intervention from higher education authorities.
Additionally, faculty members have warned that prolonged unrest could damage the university’s reputation and affect future admissions. Observers say the situation at Sheringal may set a precedent for employee rights across other campuses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The protest has sparked broader conversations about governance, transparency, and accountability in public sector universities.
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