SINCE 2017, the retired employees of Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science, and Technology (FUUAST) have been waiting for their pension commutation and other dues. During this time, five retired individuals have already died.

The university is undergoing severe financial crisis and has been unable to pay pension for the last five months, forcing the retired employees to live a miserable life. The minister concerned has made promises, but has done nothing beyond that.

While the government authorities need to act, the university administration must take immediate steps to resolve this daunting crisis. The first step, in this direction, should be to form a committee composed of retired and current individuals from all the three campuses. The proposed body should have financial experts, and try to find practical solutions to the university`s challenges.

Besides, the university should collaborate with industrial and corporate concernsforresearchprojects and internships, which could generate revenues. Short-term courses, certificates, and diploma programmes in various fields should alsobeintroduced to generate additional income.

The university should also utilise online platforms to offer affordable, quality education atnationalandinternational levels, increasing its revenue streams.

Public-private partnerships can also be explored, such as renting out the university`s infrastructure for events, workshops, conferences and other activities.

Efforts should also focus on securing funds from individual and collective sources. The government should be approached with strong arguments to allocate regular and special funding to stabilise the university financially, and improve its academic standing.

In essence, the alumni network can play a significant role by contributing to the institution`s financial stability.

Besides, philanthropists and institutions can also be approached for donations and endowment funds.

Collaboration with national as well as international organisations can help secure research grants, while innovations developed at the university can be commercialised and patented for additional income.

Increasing student enrolment is another key step. This requires effective and timely admission campaigns, particularly for high-demand programmes. Simplifying and streamlining the admission process while maintaining transparency will attract more students.

Offering scholarships or fee concessions, and creating a student-friendly, transparent environment will further enhance enrolment.

Strengthening ties with internationaluniversities through educational exchange programmes and research collaborations can also lead to financial benefits.

Raising academic and research standards will help promote the university nationally and internationally, attracting foreign students.

By implementing these practical measures, the federal university can and should overcome its current financial crisis, and achieve long-term stability.

Seema Naz Siddiqui Karachi