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Prof. Magsi Rejects Budgets, Slams Cuts to University Funding
ASA President Prof. Amjad Magsi rejects federal & Punjab budgets, says public universities can’t even pay salaries. Demands restoration of teachers’ rights & funding hike.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-23
Prof. Magsi Rejects Budgets, Slams Cuts to University Funding

President of the Academic Staff Association (ASA), Professor Amjad Magsi, has strongly criticized the recently announced federal and Punjab government budgets, claiming they have failed to address the funding crisis in public sector universities.

Speaking at a press conference, Prof. Magsi said universities across the country, particularly in Punjab, are facing a severe financial crunch, with many struggling to even pay staff salaries. He pointed out that only Rs18 billion has been allocated for 51 public universities in Punjab, compared to Rs42 billion set aside for 31 institutions in Sindh.

He further noted the disparity in institutional funding, revealing that the University of Karachi received Rs3.5 billion while the University of the Punjab was allotted a mere Rs780 million.

Prof. Magsi also condemned the government's withdrawal of tax rebates previously granted to teachers, sarcastically remarking that while the IMF allegedly objects to these rebates, it seems unconcerned when bureaucrats and ministers receive salary hikes.

He demanded an immediate increase in the education budget, restoration of tax exemptions for academic staff, and the protection of teachers’ financial and professional rights.

The professor’s remarks echo growing concern among the academic community, which warns that chronic underfunding could lead to a collapse of the public higher education system in Pakistan.
Tagged:

HigherEducation

UniversityFunding

Budget2025

EducationCrisis
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