Teachers at the University of Karachi (KU) have been on strike for the past week, halting classes and boycotting examinations in protest against unresolved financial demands. The action, organized by the university’s teachers’ association, has significantly disrupted academic schedules across various departments, including ongoing exams.
The educators have declared that their boycott will persist until their demands are met and the pending payments are disbursed. Central to the dispute are two primary issues: the payment of the “house ceiling” allowance and leave encashment. Faculty members assert that these benefits are their rightful entitlements and should be granted without further delay.
The “house ceiling” allowance pertains to housing support provided to university staff. Those living on campus are allocated university quarters or flats, while off-campus employees receive a fixed monetary housing allowance. Implementing these financial benefits, however, poses a significant challenge for the university.
The KU administration estimates that fulfilling both demands would require between Rs550 million and Rs600 million, a sum it currently cannot accommodate. In a significant development, KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi has reached out to the Sindh government, specifically the chief secretary, seeking direction on the matter.
The university highlighted that the house ceiling policy was initially introduced by the federal government and questioned whether the Sindh government has formally adopted it. Officials expressed concerns that implementing the allowance without provincial approval could lead to administrative and legal complications.
Meanwhile, the university has requested a financial package from the Sindh government to cover the costs if it is to meet the teachers’ demands. To date, no response has been received from provincial authorities, leaving negotiations at an impasse and academic activities disrupted.
