The financial crisis in KP universities has worsened, with authorities considering closing down 14 institutions due to subpar academic standards and budgetary issues. Media reports indicate that the Task Force Committee for Higher Education has raised concerns about the management of these universities.
A provincial committee was assigned to investigate the reasons behind the declining educational standards and financial problems in the province. During the committee’s last two meetings, discussions focused on resolving the crisis, with a final decision expected at the meeting on July 11. The committee’s recommendations will be submitted to the provincial cabinet for approval.
Meena Khan Afridi, the provincial minister for higher education, denied any such plans.
“A Task Force Committee on Higher Education is currently working on the matter and their recommendations will be reviewed before any decision is made,” he was quoted as saying in Aaj News.
Dr. Azir, the central general secretary of the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Association (FAPUASA), expressed his support for the recommendations. He noted that universities in the province were often established on “political grounds without proper need assessments,” which has led to significant financial constraints. Dr. Azir added that the increase in the number of universities has outpaced the allocation of funds from the Higher Education Commission, resulting in financial difficulties for these institutions.
