A protest by its teaching staff hit the Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology (FUAST) in Karachi on Monday. Their grievance was non-payment of salaries along with announced increments. Due to this teachers locked the administration block at the Gulshan-e-Iqbal Science campus.
It had come to a point where the teachers took their complaint against the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, who was not allowed to enter his office. In a dramatic moment, he also started trying to break the lock with a brick, stopped by the female teachers. This confrontation dramatized the tension between the administration and the staff.
The local police soon arrived at the scene to contain the situation but did not manage to clear the administration block before 1:30 PM. The protesting teachers shared that staff at the Islamabad campus received their salaries for July and August with approved increments; however, the teachers at the Karachi campuses, including Gulshan and Lyari, did not receive the same increments.
The protesting teachers called for the immediate intervention of the Federal Minister for Education. They wanted immediate solutions to their problems. They vowed to continue their class boycott until the administration met their demands, including three months’ pension for retired employees, seven months of housing allowance, and two months of salary with approved increments.
The protest arose from the unkept promises made earlier. Teachers felt infuriated when the Vice Chancellor assured them of a salary increase. According to them, the continued non-payment of salaries. And housing allowance has placed significant mental health pressures and financial instability on them.
The protest reflects something larger, as employees at the university feel disowned. Teachers reiterated that they will not back down until they get what belongs to them. They insist on justice and timely clearing of dues.
The main campus in Islamabad operates FUAST, its second campus in Karachi. The determination of the teachers shows that they are serious about getting their rights. They intended to maintain pressure on the administration to address their grievances.
In a nutshell, the teachers in FUAST are struggling with non-payment of salaries and other benefits. The protest shows togetherness and determination towards the realization of change. They thus hope that this situation will be resolved. As soon as possible so they may focus on their primary role: educating students.
ANI