THE Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) has failed to meet its basic financial obligations, including the timely disbursement of salaries and pensions. Tragically, nine retired teachers andfourretired support staff have already died while awaiting their rightful entitlements.
Adding to the distress is the fact that the university holds over Rs670 million in its pension funds, which have been invested to generate profits, while retired employees are made to suffer. It is apparent that the university does possess the funds to clear the outstanding dues of retired employees, and the federal ombudsman has already instructed the administration to do so, but no step in that direction has yet been taken by the administration.
This inaction has also exacerbated the growing unrest and hopelessness among the academia. The morale at the university is at an all-time low, and the quality of education is undoubtedly suffering. If immediate action is not taken, the future of the university will soon be at risk.
The chancellor must intervene to ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions, including adherence to the federal ombudsman`s instructions regarding retired employees` dues, and a responsible management of the pension funds to prioritise the wellbeing of the retirees.
