Islamabad Universities Face Funding Crisis

Three federally chartered universities in Islamabad are facing a severe financial crisis, with mounting difficulties in paying salaries and pensions. According to reports, Quaid-i-Azam University QAU, International Islamic University Islamabad IIUI, and the Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology are struggling due to inadequate funding from the Higher Education Commission HEC. The students can get the latest updates regarding Severe Financial Struggles for Three Islamabad Universities.

Request for Emergency Financial Assistance

In response to the crisis, both the HEC and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training have urged the government to approve a supplementary grant of Rs2.5 billion to provide relief to the affected institutions. Secretary of Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani confirmed that a formal request for these funds has been submitted, expressing optimism that the necessary approvals will be granted soon.

Higher Education Faces a Massive Funding Deficit

The financial challenges of these universities are part of a larger funding shortfall in Pakistan’s higher education sector. HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted that the commission required Rs125 billion for the current fiscal year but received only Rs65 billion, leaving a deficit of Rs60 billion. He further noted that per-student funding has ped significantly, from Rs67,528 in 2018-19 to Rs50,956 in 2023-24, worsening the financial strain on universities.

Call for Increased Education Budget

Recognizing the urgent need for greater financial support, the National Assembly Standing Committee has recommended that education spending be increased to at least 4% of GDP in the 2025-26 fiscal budget. Meanwhile, an HEC official pointed out that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provincial governments are responsible for funding their universities. However, with the exception of Sindh, most provinces have failed to provide adequate financial support, adding further strain on federally chartered institutions.

Provincial Universities Also Affected by Funding Cuts

The ongoing funding crisis has severely impacted universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where limited financial resources have led to operational difficulties. Rising costs for salaries, pensions, and utilities have exacerbated the situation. HEC officials have urged both federal and provincial governments to ensure sufficient funding in the upcoming budget, stressing that without proper financial support, Pakistan’s higher education sector will struggle to progress.