The Employees Welfare Association of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) has raised alarm over the institution's deepening financial crisis, warning that if immediate funds are not released, the university’s survival, academic research, and administration may face irreparable damage.  In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the Association’s President Syed Hassan Shah and General Secretary Iftikhar Ahmad Kayani expressed serious concerns over the prolonged delay in financial support from the federal government. 

They stated that despite repeated efforts by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, including meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan and other relevant authorities, no financial relief has been provided so far.  The Association highlighted that over the past 3 to 4 years nearly 200 retired employees have not received their due pensions and gratuity payments, forcing many to take legal action.

Many critically ill retired staff members have reportedly died without receiving their medical advances, while others continue to suffer due to unpaid medical bills.  Employees currently serving at QAU are also facing severe hardships. The Association pointed out that 15 to 16 months of overtime dues remain unpaid, despite staff working extra hours and performing multiple duties. Moreover, allowances such as CMS and Evening BS are pending, compounding the frustration and discontent among staff. 

“Morale is at an all-time low, and staff are disillusioned,” the statement read, adding that the delay in resolving these critical issues has triggered a sense of helplessness across the university.  QAU, regarded as one of Pakistan’s premier higher education institutions has long been a national academic beacon. It has produced leading figures in parliament, bureaucracy, and scientific research, with nearly 70% of key personnel in nuclear and research institutions being QAU alumni.

However, the Association warned that decades of excellence are now at stake due to the current funding shortfall.  The government continues to announce annual increases in salaries and pensions for public sector employees, yet QAU has not received adequate funds to implement these changes. The result is a paralyzing shortfall affecting salaries, research funding, infrastructure, and administration. 

The Employees Welfare Association has called upon the President, Prime Minister, Ministry of Education, and HEC to immediately release a bailout package worth Rs 7 billion to prevent total collapse. The statement called upon QAU's global alumni network to rise to the occasion and contribute to the university's survival. “In leading institutions around the world, alumni play a vital role in supporting their alma mater. We appeal to all QAU alumni to come forward and help safeguard the university’s future,” they added. 

The Association further warned that if immediate action is not taken, employees will be left with no option but to protest in front of the National Assembly, press clubs, and on streets across the capital.  “We will continue to raise our voice on every forum to protect our legitimate rights and the future of this university,” the statement concluded. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)