The Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) went on indefinite strike Monday, bringing to light significant issues afflicting the institution’s administration and finances.
Karachi University Teachers Demands
According to KUTS Secretary Dr. Faizan-ul-Hassan Naqvi, the strike will continue until their issues are handled efficiently.
Among the major points raised is the failure to approve Karachi University’s budget for the past four years.
This neglect has had far-reaching implications, having a negative impact on the quality of academic and research activity at the university.
Furthermore, teachers in evening programs claim they have not received their arrears for nearly a year and a half.
Permanent faculty members are also being denied salary increases promised in the provincial government’s budget presentation four months ago, according to reports.
Visiting Faculty Financial Issues
To add to the distress, visiting faculty members are supposedly paid Rs. 480 each lecture after deductions, rather than the promised Rs. 600. Even this reduced amount is claimed to be distributed inconsistently.
Concerns have also been made about Karachi University’s deteriorating infrastructure, which indicates administrative mismanagement.
Due to continuous challenges, students are increasingly selecting private institutions over state universities as a result of the loss in amenities.
KUTS General Body Meeting Decision
The KUTS recently had a general body meeting, during which a decision was passed to boycott all academic activities at the university until further notice.
They have also voiced support with the ongoing strike of evening program teachers, which began on September 14.
In an effort to find a solution, the KUTS has urged the governor of Sindh and the chief minister to take prompt notice of the crises and form a panel to explore their core causes.
KU’s Administration Response
Meanwhile, in reaction to the ongoing strike and disruptions in university activities, the administration of the University of Karachi has issued measures to ensure employees’ punctual attendance.
Employees, including lecturers, are obliged to be present in their respective departments from Monday to Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, according to a notification issued by University of Karachi Registrar Professor Dr. Abdul Waheed.
There will also be a prayer and meal break from 1:00 to 2:00 on Monday through Thursday, with a lengthier break lasting one and a half hours on Friday.
The instruction also emphasizes the attendance of all subordinate Deans, Directors, Department Chairmen, and Heads of Administrative Affairs.
The fate of Karachi University’s academic operations hangs in the balance as the strike continues and tensions escalate, with hopes riding on the government’s intervention to resolve the problem.
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