Academic activities at various universities across Sindh have stopped for the fifth consecutive day due to escalating protests against appointing bureaucrats as vice-chancellors.
Leading the boycott, the Federation of All Pakistan Academic Staff Association Sindh (Fapuasa) is challenging the government’s decision to place bureaucrats in these critical academic roles. Starting on January 16, the strike has impacted more than 17 universities, including the University of Karachi.
Members of Fapuasa have strongly criticized proposed amendments to the Universities Act that would allow non-academics and bureaucrats to hold vice-chancellor positions. They argue that such appointments threaten the autonomy and quality of higher education and demand the immediate withdrawal of these amendments.
Fapuasa’s Sindh chapter has intensified its protest actions, declaring a black day and organizing general body meetings to rally the academic community. The association is also staging press conferences and rallies at various universities to oppose “anti-education policies.”
A recent press conference announced a significant move: the cessation of academic activities at all public universities throughout Sindh.
The leadership of Fapuasa Sindh has also denounced the government’s ongoing practice of favouring non-permanent faculty appointments and bureaucratic leadership, which they believe undermines academic merit and integrity.
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has joined the chorus of concern, stating that appointing bureaucrats and individuals without PhDs as vice-chancellors dilutes the universities’ autonomy and lower academic standards.
Fapuasa leaders are steadfast in defending academic freedom and meritocracy. They call for the government to reverse these appointments immediately. They caution that any effort to politicize or bureaucratize university leadership will meet strong resistance from Sindh’s academic community.
