ISLAMABAD - The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) showing great resentment on the federal government’s irresponsible and non-serious attitude towards higher education of Pakistan has sought immediate release of the last quarter budget of higher education so that the universities can work smoothly.
Prof Zahid Majeed, Vice President FAPUASA, in a statement issued by the association said the higher education of Pakistan gave 100 per cent results as compared to other departments and organisations of Pakistan like Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan Railways as their survival is totally based on bail out packages. He said very recently Government Pakistan issues/passed Rs 8.5 billion as bailout package for Pakistan Steel Mills, last time it was more than Rs 10 billion but there is no progress in this department.
On the other hand higher education of Pakistan gave remarkable results in the meagre budget allocated for higher education sector. ‘We are not demanding extra budget we are just requesting to provide the Rs 9 billion of last quarter so that the universities continue to function. The government had committed Rs.11 billion for the last quarter of financial year 2011-2012 for recurring and development but only released Rs 2 billion out of them’.
The universities’ administrations are worried and in panic for the employees’ salaries and developmental projects.  Prof. Zahid said many university employees inquire either next month they will be paid the salaries are not. PhD scholars are also confused and worried about their financial support. The universities’ developmental projects are closed or slower down as HEC has informed them that it does not have money for the development and salaries because the government is not providing last quarter budget to HEC.
The FAPUASA President Prof Kalim Ullah Breach said ‘we are teachers and don’t want to come on roads as many are already there. Therefore, the government should realise the situation and immediately release the last quarter budget of higher education so that the universities can work smoothly and if no seriousness is shown from the government side, FAPUASA may also harden its stance and consider to take serious steps.
Prof Khalid Rasheed, President Islamabad Chapter, FAPUASA, said ‘we don’t want bailout package for higher education because we are not sick and parasite on government. We are excellent and want more excellent therefore government immediately release the Rs 9 billion of last quarter budget of higher education Pakistan’.