University of Karachi hit by exams boycott over dues

The boycott was announced last week by the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS), which alleged that the administration has failed to clear long-pending dues of teaching staff despite repeated assurances and demands.

According to sources, a majority of faculty members participated in the protest, citing unpaid payments related to evening classes, examination supervision, paper setting, vigilance duties, house ceiling claims, and leave encashment. Teachers further highlighted that rising fuel costs and inflation have significantly worsened their financial pressures. Retired faculty members and non-teaching staff are also reportedly awaiting overdue payments.

KUTS President Syed Ghufran Alam stated that the boycott was a direct consequence of continued administrative inaction despite repeated communications from the teachers’ body. He added that the university is currently facing a financial deficit of approximately Rs. 1.3 billion.

He called upon Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to initiate an inquiry into the matter to ensure transparency and accountability in the institution’s financial affairs.

The teachers’ body has announced that the semester examination boycott will continue, while future action will be decided in a general body meeting scheduled for Thursday, further raising concerns over academic continuity at the institution.