Why academic activities at public universities of Pakistan's Sindh have come to a standstill?

Academic activities have been suspended across most public universities in Pakistan's Sindh province since Jan. 16 as teachers protest proposed amendments to the Sindh Universities Act and plans to hire faculty on a contractual basis.

Professors from Karachi University, Sindh Madressatul Islam University, NED University, and others are boycotting classes, citing concerns about the government’s approach to higher education governance.

At the heart of the controversy is the Sindh government’s proposal to appoint bureaucrats as vice-chancellors (VCs) of public universities. Teachers argue that this decision will undermine academic standards and the autonomy of educational institutions.

“How can bureaucrats without academic qualifications serve as VCs?” questioned Dr Ikhtiar Ali Ghumro, president of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA) Sindh Chapter.

“VCs are not just administrative heads—they lead key academic bodies, including the academic council and the Board of Advanced Studies, where critical academic decisions are made. A non-PhD with no research knowledge cannot promote academics and research effectively.”

Sindh government defends proposal

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah defended the proposed amendments, arguing they are necessary to address allegations of moral and financial corruption among existing VCs. “I am warning the concerned vice-chancellors to stop the protests in their universities; otherwise, I will hold you accountable,” Shah said in a recent statement.

However, FAPUASA has accused the government of politicized appointments and negligence. “Your admission of appointing 38 VCs, some of whom are allegedly corrupt, reflects the flaws in your own policies,” FAPUASA leaders wrote in an open letter to the CM.

HEC opposes plan

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has also opposed the provincial government’s plans.

In a letter to the CM, available to Nukta, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed warned that lowering the eligibility criteria for VCs to include non-PhDs would harm academic standards and institutional autonomy.

“This amendment is a retrogressive step that could undermine critical thinking and research at universities,” the letter stated.

Strike continues

FAPUASA Sindh announced a continuation of the strike, with academic activities suspended for two more days. Protests will culminate in a large-scale rally at the Karachi Press Club on Jan. 28. Teachers’ associations plan to involve civil society, bar associations, and other organizations in their demonstrations.

The faculty also resolved to consult legal experts about challenging the amendment in court and to escalate their concerns to the federal government.

A request has been made to FAPUASA’s central body to declare a nationwide “Black Day” in solidarity with Sindh’s academic staff.

Call for reforms

In its open letter, FAPUASA proposed several reforms, including:

1. Merit-based appointments of VCs free from political interference.
2. Transparent evaluation mechanisms to hold VCs accountable for performance.
3. Equitable resource distribution among all universities to address funding disparities.
4. Reformation of search committees to ensure representation of independent academic experts.

The association also criticized the government for its double standards, citing a “model university” led by a bureaucrat that received disproportionate funding while other universities struggled with shortages of staff and resources.

“Public universities in Sindh cater to underprivileged students, and they deserve better than being the testing ground for political experiments,” FAPUASA leaders said.

The ongoing protests have disrupted the education of thousands of students across Sindh. FAPUASA Sindh condemned the CM’s remarks, which they described as “derogatory” and “demoralizing.”

It called for all stakeholders, including the judiciary and federal government, to intervene to resolve the crisis.

Call for stricter appointment procedure

Mohsin Ali of the Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) weighed in on the ongoing protests, emphasizing the need for qualified leadership in universities.

“We welcome any bureaucrat who is also an academician, but our objection lies in the criteria, which is solely based on being a bureaucrat,” he said while talking to Nukta. “A bureaucrat who lacks understanding of academics or research will only create further problems for universities. The examples cited by authorities involve individuals who were not just bureaucrats but also accomplished academicians.”

Ali called for stricter appointment procedures rather than an overhaul of the system. “You don’t change the traffic signal because someone breaks the law by not following it,” he remarked.

He also criticized the government’s priorities, pointing out systemic failures in other sectors. “We all know the standard of public schools. If there are any institutions in Pakistan that can be talked about, they are universities. If bureaucrats are so qualified, they should first focus on improving the standard of education in schools and colleges,” he said.

Ali further pointed out that financial mismanagement issues stem from the government’s own decisions. “If there is financial mismanagement, the Sindh government is responsible, as they are the ones who appoint the Director of Finance,” he added.

“All we are saying is to appoint someone who understands education—whether they are a bureaucrat or not.”

*Reporting by Faisal Khan