Academic activities at the University of Karachi were severely disrupted on Tuesday after a large number of faculty members boycotted semester examinations, escalating an ongoing dispute with the university administration.
The boycott was announced by the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS), which accused the administration of failing to clear long-pending financial dues owed to teaching staff.
According to faculty members, payments related to evening classes, examination duties, paper setting, paper checking, vigilance work, house ceiling claims, and leave encashment remain outstanding.
Teachers also cited rising fuel costs and inflation as major factors worsening their financial pressure. Retired faculty members and non-teaching staff are also reportedly awaiting payments.
KUTS President Syed Ghufran Alam stated that the boycott follows repeated but unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through administrative channels. He added that the university is currently facing a financial deficit of around Rs. 1.3 billion.
Alam has called on the Syed Murad Ali Shah to initiate an inquiry into the matter to ensure transparency and accountability.
The teachers’ body has warned that the boycott of semester examinations will continue. Further action will be decided in an upcoming general body meeting scheduled for Thursday.
The ongoing standoff has raised concerns over academic delays and the impact on thousands of students enrolled at the university.
