POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
The Sindh government has suspended teaching activities in 17 universities across the province due to protests against the proposed amendments to the Sindh Universities Act.
The Federation of All Pakistan Academic Staff Association (FAPASA) staged a protest at the Karachi Press Club, with additional demonstrations taking place in Hyderabad. The amendments, which propose appointing bureaucrats as Vice Chancellors (VCs) of universities, have sparked outrage among academic staff.
Teachers’ Concerns
The protesting teachers have categorically rejected the Sindh government’s move to amend the Universities Act, labeling it an attempt to undermine the autonomy of academic institutions.
“Appointing bureaucrats as Vice Chancellors is absolutely unacceptable. Universities need academic leadership, not administrative imposition,” said a representative of FAPASA during the protest.
Sindh Government’s Stance
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah defended the government’s decision, citing the lack of administrative expertise among existing Vice Chancellors.
“Most of our Vice Chancellors lack the necessary administrative experience, and this has contributed to the decline in the performance of universities,” he said in a statement.
The chief minister also accused the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of inciting unrest in Sindh’s universities. “The HEC wrote a letter regarding the new procedure for appointing VCs. The Sindh government will implement whatever standards are set by the provincial assembly,” he asserted.
Protests Escalate
The protests have disrupted academic activities, affecting thousands of students across the province. Demonstrators at the Karachi Press Club and in Hyderabad have vowed to continue their protests until the government retracts the proposed amendments and addresses their concerns.
A Divided Landscape
The standoff between the Sindh government and university staff has highlighted a deepening divide over the future of higher education governance. Teachers argue that bureaucratic appointments will erode the academic focus of institutions, while the government insists on administrative reforms to improve performance.
The suspension of teaching in 17 universities has raised concerns among students and parents, who fear prolonged disruptions in academic calendars and examinations.
The protests are expected to intensify as negotiations between the government and academic staff remain stalled.
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