Staff and faculty at the University of Balochistan have launched a protest camp at the university’s main gate due to the non-payment of salaries and pensions, amid an ongoing financial crisis at the institution.
The protest, organized by the university’s Joint Action Committee, continued on Monday despite the cold weather and rain. Dozens of university staff, including teachers and administrative officials, demanded the immediate payment of salaries and pensions overdue by three months. They are also calling for a promised 35% pay increase and housing allowances.
“The neglect of the University of Balochistan’s esteemed educators and staff, leaving them without salaries and pensions, especially with the reopening of academic institutions and the onset of the holy month amidst rampant inflation, is exceedingly inhumane,” the protesters said.
They called on the central and provincial governments, the Governor of Balochistan, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to find a lasting solution to the university’s financial crisis. They also demanded the swift introduction of a bailout package to cover the outstanding salaries and pensions for the past three months.
The faculty and staff have announced plans to continue their protest with increased participation at the site outside the university’s main gate on Tuesday, to demand the payment of due salaries and pensions.