Funding Needed for AJK Universities to Continue Operations
Public universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are grappling with severe financial challenges that threaten their ability to function effectively and support their students.
Public universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) are grappling with severe financial challenges that threaten their ability to function effectively and support their students.
University leaders, including vice-chancellors and the state chancellor, have appealed to the state government for financial aid to address this crisis.
They warned that without immediate assistance, 3,500 university staff members could lose their jobs, and 30,000 students could face disruptions to their education.
In a detailed letter to the prime minister, the president of AJK emphasized the critical nature of the situation, noting that the universities have not received an increase in their annual grant from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in five years. During this time, inflation and rising costs have placed immense pressure on university budgets.
While salaries for government employees have increased significantly, universities have not received corresponding budget increases to manage these higher costs.
The financial strain has also been exacerbated by increased pension obligations, with no additional government funding to cover these expenses. University officials have presented detailed financial documents and a formal request for funding to the prime minister and other relevant authorities.
They seek an annual grant that would align AJK universities with their counterparts in other provinces, which receive more substantial financial support from their respective provincial governments.
