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PESHAWAR, Jun 02 (APP):The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the University of Peshawar on Monday issued a strong call to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, demanding an urgent allocation of Rs 50 billion for the higher education sector in the provincial budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The demand was made during an emergency meeting of the JAC held here, chaired by Dr Zakirullah Jan.
The committee expressed deep concern over the continued financial neglect of public sector universities across the province.
Dr Zakirullah Jan emphasized that under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, it is the constitutional responsibility of the provincial government to ensure adequate funding for higher education.
He criticized KP’s inaction, contrasting it with provinces like Punjab and Sindh, which have consistently provided financial support to their universities.
“Our universities are facing a severe financial emergency,” Dr Jan said. “There are delays in salaries and pensions, research activities have been halted, and the quality of education is deteriorating rapidly. The situation is critical and demands immediate intervention.”
To address the crisis, the JAC has called for a minimum allocation of Rs 50 billion to cover, timely disbursement of salaries and pensions, revival of research and academic activities, and sustainable development of public sector universities.
Dr Jan also criticized the silence of newly appointed Vice Chancellors, urging them to fulfill their leadership roles and publicly demand sufficient funding.
“Their silence is not just disappointing—it is dangerous for the future of education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he warned.
He called on the VCs to either advocate for adequate funding or disclose the financial strategies they presented during their appointments.
The JAC warned that failure to act would trigger a province-wide academic mobilization.
“We will not stand by as our institutions crumble,” Dr Jan stated. “The time for bold decisions is now, and the ball is firmly in the provincial government’s court.”
The education community awaits the provincial government’s response as budget preparations enter their final stages.