Three federally chartered universities are grappling with a severe financial crisis, struggling even to pay salaries and pensions, Dawn has learned.
The affected institutions—Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and the Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology—are facing difficulties due to insufficient funding from the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
According to sources, both the HEC and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training have requested the government to approve a supplementary grant of Rs2.5 billion to address the crisis.
“Yes, we have submitted a request for Rs2.5 billion to support QAU, Urdu University, and IIUI,” confirmed Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, emphasizing the urgent need for financial assistance. “We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon after approval from the relevant authorities,” he added.
The broader higher education sector in Pakistan is suffering from a funding shortfall of Rs60 billion, according to HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. Addressing a National Assembly Standing Committee, he highlighted that while HEC required Rs 125 billion for the current fiscal year, only Rs 65 billion was allocated, deepening the crisis.
Dr. Mukhtar further pointed out that funding per student had declined from Rs67,528 in 2018-19 to Rs50,956 in 2023-24, making it even harder for universities to manage operational costs.
The National Assembly committee has emphasized the need to raise the education budget to at least 4% of the GDP in the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal budget.
An HEC official noted that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, funding for provincially chartered universities became the responsibility of provincial governments. However, except for Sindh, most provinces have not been providing adequate funds, leading to added financial pressure on HEC at the expense of federally chartered universities.
“A significant portion of our budget is spent on provincial universities, which has strained our ability to support federally chartered institutions,” the official said.
The official also warned that universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are among the worst affected due to stagnant HEC funding over the years, while salaries, pensions, and utility costs continue to rise.
“We will urge both federal and provincial governments to allocate sufficient funds for universities in the next budget, as the higher education sector cannot progress without proper financial support,” he added.
کچھ تو اپنے پڑوسی بھارت کے تعلیمی نظام سے سبق حاصل کرو۔
برائیاں کرنے میں تو آگے آگے ہو، وہاں کی کچھ بہتری سے ہی سیکھ لو ۔
بس نظام درہم برہم کرنا اور کرپشن میں ترقی ہو رہی ہے۔
Who is being paid pension?
Must be closed no need of
Picture is of Islamic University of Technology Dhaka Bangladesh
http://www.iutoic-dhaka.edu/
This is concerning! QAU, IIUI, and Federal Urdu University are in a severe financial crisis, struggling even with salaries. With a Rs60 billion funding shortfall, urgent action is needed to secure the future of higher education. In times of hardship, faith and resilience guide us. Surah Yaseen, known as the heart of the Quran, reminds us to seek strength and wisdom. Just as education enlightens minds, faith nurtures the soul. The government must prioritize education funding, ensuring stability for institutions and students. Read Surah Yaseen for spiritual guidance:https://suraheyaseen.com/.
Itni fees lety phir b ye sub dramy ha I think papers sy lekar print tak har chiz ki fees thi
These are not merit based selection for Teaching and Research base totally are on Reference bases
This fake government has focused on National issues this culprit setup as aways looking whow to make property in foreign countries because any they run away from Pakistan if Chaudary Nizam din don’t them.So no one can assept from them that they will thing about Pakistan.
unless job opportunities are created in private sector no public service institution can survive.
The private sector jobs produce things which people use and economic activity takes place results in more taxes and more exports.
In efficiency of public service destroyed whole industrial production structure of the nation and that is main reason of suffering.
Honest and loyal public service with tough accountability, lowest interest rate and low taxes are the solution to problem.
Allah Knows best.
Very sad.Need immediate support