MNA Asif Khan Calls for Urgent Reforms and Financial Support for Universities of Peshawar
MNA Asif Khan Calls for Urgent Reforms and Financial Support for Universities of Peshawar
Islamabad, In line with the recommendation of MNA Asif Khan, the Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training convened a meeting today in Islamabad, inviting the Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Peshawar and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar to address critical issues faced by these esteemed institutions.
During the meeting, both universities provided comprehensive briefings to the committee regarding their ongoing challenges and performance. MNA Asif Khan particularly highlighted the pressing concerns of salary and pension payments for the teaching and non-teaching staff at the University of Agriculture Peshawar. In response, the Vice Chancellor assured that most of the pending dues have already been settled, and the remaining obligations will be cleared shortly.
MNA Asif Khan further inquired about the concrete measures taken by the University of Agriculture Peshawar to overcome its persistent financial crisis and to generate revenue independently. He raised serious concerns regarding the alleged illegal promotions and unnecessary appointments in the university, stressing that financial issues has led to repeated protests by employees and students in Peshawar. He warned that if these issues are not effectively resolved, the Standing Committee may recommend the resignation of the university’s leadership.
The committee also questioned the University of Agriculture Peshawar on its achievements in research, specifically the introduction of new crop varieties and seeds and their impact on Pakistan’s agricultural sector and national food security. Members sought clarity on when the university would achieve financial self-sufficiency and whether any audits have been conducted to address its deficit & financial mismanagement.
In addition to these concerns, MNA Asif Khan emphasized the urgent need for enhanced financial support for the universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically those in Peshawar, from the federal government and the Higher Education Commission (HEC). He stressed that these universities are critical to the region’s progress and should receive their fair share of national and federal resources to ensure their sustainability and competitiveness.
In response to these concerns, the Federal Secretary for Education and the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission assured the committee of their immediate attention. The HEC has also directed the University of Agriculture Peshawar to improve its staff-to-student ratio in line with international standards.
MNA Asif Khan also raised the crucial issue of the University of Peshawar’s declining QS World University Ranking, urging urgent corrective measures. He expressed particular alarm over the decreasing number of student admissions to the University of Peshawar, which reflects a serious need to revamp academic standards, campus facilities, and the overall reputation of the institution. The HEC Chairman took notice of the staff-to-student ratio at the University of Peshawar as well and assured the committee of concrete action.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of faculty and essential equipment in affiliated colleges of the University of Peshawar, along with the unfair practice of not awarding medals to top-performing students from these colleges.
MNA Asif Khan emphasized that these universities are critical national assets and that every possible step must be taken to ensure their accountability, financial stability, and academic excellence. The Standing Committee reiterated its commitment to supporting these institutions in overcoming challenges and fulfilling their mandate to deliver quality higher education in Pakistan
