KARACHI: The ongoing academic crisis at the University of Karachi (KU) has entered its second month, as the faculty’s continuous boycott of semester examinations has left nearly 50,000 students facing severe mental agony and academic uncertainty.
Since May 5, KU teachers have suspended all key academic and administrative duties. The boycott includes evening classes, paper evaluation, exam invigilation, paper setting, house ceiling, and leave encashment, in protest against the non-payment of long-overdue dues.
Protests Escalate at Campus
Marking a month of deadlock, teachers, officers, and non-teaching staff staged a massive protest demonstration in front of the Administration Block. Holding placards and banners inscribed with slogans, the protestors demanded the immediate release of their financial arrears.
The protestors severely criticized the university management, stating that KU is currently crippled by gross financial mismanagement and administrative incompetence, which has completely derailed both teaching and administrative functions.
“Our house ceiling, arrears, and other legitimate dues have been withheld for a long period, plunging the employees into severe financial distress,” said a protesting faculty member.
Students and Parents Bear the Brunt
The prolonged deadlock has brought examinations to a grinding halt, devastating the students’ academic timelines. Parents and students express deep concern that further delays will wreck the academic calendar, potentially leading to shortened semesters and the cancellation of vacations.
Students have expressed disappointment with the provincial authorities, pointing out that the Sindh Government and the Chief Minister—who oversees public sector universities—have failed to take any effective measures to resolve this critical issue.
Despite paying their dues and semester fees on time, students are being deprived of education and exams. They remain entirely in the dark about when the semester will resume, how exams will be conducted, and who will accept responsibility for this loss.
Administration Blamed for the Mess
Meanwhile, the Karachi University Teachers Society (KUTS) acknowledged that students are the primary victims of this unfortunate situation. However, they firmly held the university administration’s incompetence responsible for the deadlock, demanding an immediate investigation into the university’s financial crisis.
The faculty has announced that the protest and exam boycott will continue until all their legitimate demands are met and outstanding dues are cleared.
