KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) administration has issued a comprehensive rebuttal to the allegations leveled by the Karachi University Teachers’ Association (KUTA) in a recent press conference, describing them as “baseless” and “contrary to facts.” In a clarifying statement, the university spokesperson asserted that those making the claims failed to provide any concrete evidence. The administration addressed several key issues, including the budget deficit, utility costs, and staff allowances.
Addressing the demand for increased House Ceiling Allowance, the KU administration clarified that while the Federal Government has announced an increase, provincial employees cannot receive it until the Government of Sindh adopts the policy. Implementing this increase would cost the university an additional Rs. 510 million annually, which is impossible within current limited resources. We have already requested a special grant or bailout package from the Sindh government, the statement read.
The university highlighted that inflation has hit educational institutions hard. KU’s electricity expenses have tripled, while medical costs for staff have surged by 100%. Despite this, the Federal Higher Education Commission (HEC) has kept its annual salary grant stagnant at Rs. 1.8 billion since 2017-18, even though total salary expenditures have risen by 170% in the same period.
The administration strongly rejected the notion that a deficit budget equates to corruption. They explained that the budget undergoes rigorous scrutiny by the Planning & Finance Committee, the Syndicate, the Senate, and finally the CM Sindh. For the past four years, the Accountant General (AG) Sindh has conducted external audits, and no financial irregularities have been detected. Unlike other universities, KU has not taken any loans and generates 50% of its income through its own resources.
Clarifying the status of programs like Digital Marketing, Sports Business Management, and Physical Therapy, the administration noted these are academic programs, not separate departments. Regarding allegations of nepotism, the spokesperson pointed to the recent merit-based appointment of over 150 professors and associate professors, which remains unquestioned.
The administration urged the teaching community to focus on their primary responsibility—the academic grooming of students—rather than boycotting exams or pressuring colleagues. Despite financial hurdles, the university highlighted several completed projects, including a new 200-bed Girls’ Hostel, a 60-bed M.Phil/Ph.D. Hostel, new Academic Blocks for the Faculties of Science and Arts, and the Center for Digital Forensic Science and Technology building.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the establishment of a Pension and Endowment Fund for the first time in the university’s history, alongside various scholarships to ensure no student is deprived of education due to financial lack.
