The Joint Action Committee of Balochistan organized a protest on Monday in Quetta, calling for the immediate payment of three months’ overdue salaries and the 35% salary increase promised in the previous year’s education budget for teachers at research centers, and staff at the University of Balochistan (UOB). The demonstrators, which included UOB students, faculty, and staff, concluded their march at the Quetta Press Club, demanding an immediate resolution to UOB’s financial distress.
The procession passed through key areas of Quetta, including the Civil Secretariat, Hockey Chowk, Commissioner’s Office, Kacheri Chowk, Jinnah Road, and Manan Chowk, and culminated in front of the Quetta Press Club.
Leading the protest were notable figures such as Prof. Dr. Kaleem Ullah Barech, APLF Chairman Shah Ali Bugti, Nazeer Ahmed Lehri, PkMAP’s Mohammad Isa Roshan, BSO’s Samad Baloch, Nazar Mengal, Abid Butt of the Balochistan Labor Federation, Fareed Khan Achakzai, and Farhana Umer Magsi, among numerous others.
The speakers expressed their dismay at UOB employees’ need to protest for wages and pensions during Ramadan. They criticized the lack of action from the Balochistan and Federal Governments and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan in addressing UOB’s financial issues. The dire situation has led to employees’ families facing hunger during Ramadan, they said.
The protestors also condemned the former UOB vice chancellor’s ‘illegal’ appointment, labeling him as incompetent and detrimental to the university’s welfare. They urged vice-chancellors and officials from other universities to advocate for substantial financial support from the government.
The Joint Action Committee announced a protest camp at UOB’s main gate on Tuesday, March 19, at 11:00 am, followed by a rally on Saryab Road, to demand full salary payments. They invited media, journalists, educators, political parties, student groups, the legal community, and civil society members to support and amplify the university employees’ plight.