Karachi University Teachers Continue Exam Boycott Despite SHEC Intervention

KARACHI – Karachi University teachers have decided to continue their ongoing boycott of semester examinations despite efforts by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) to resolve the dispute. The decision was taken unanimously during a general body meeting of the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS), where members rejected a proposal that did not include immediate financial relief or a commitment to clear outstanding dues.

The development has prolonged uncertainty for thousands of students whose semester examinations have already been disrupted by the protest. Teachers maintain that the boycott will continue until their financial demands are addressed and pending payments are released.

The latest decision came after SHEC issued a notification following a meeting held on June 1 between its chairperson and representatives of KUTS, the Officers Welfare Association (OWA), and the Employees Welfare Association (EWA). The meeting aimed to find a solution to the ongoing dispute and restore normal academic activities at the university.

According to the notification, a six-member committee has been established to review the concerns and grievances of Karachi University employees. The committee will be chaired by the SHEC chairperson and will include the secretary of the Universities and Boards Department, the secretary of SHEC, and the presidents of KUTS, OWA, and EWA.

The notification further stated that representatives of the employee bodies had agreed to withdraw the examination boycott immediately, allowing the university administration to prepare a revised examination schedule and resume academic activities.

However, during the subsequent general body meeting, teachers rejected the proposal and clarified that the authority to end the boycott rests solely with the general body of the teachers’ association.

KUTS President Dr. Syed Ghufran Alam explained that while teachers appreciated SHEC’s efforts and remained willing to engage in further discussions, the proposed arrangement did not satisfy their primary concerns regarding financial relief and payment of outstanding dues.

He stated that the teachers had expressed hope that the general body might consider the proposal positively, but members ultimately decided against ending the boycott due to dissatisfaction with the current administrative environment at the university.

According to Dr. Alam, faculty members are unwilling to show flexibility until pending financial obligations are settled. Teachers argue that they have been waiting for the release of various dues for an extended period and believe that concrete action is required before the protest can be called off.

Sources familiar with the discussions indicated that dissatisfaction among employees toward the university administration also played a role in the decision. Some staff members reportedly opposed a proposal that would have allowed the vice chancellor to participate in the June 1 meeting.

The newly formed committee has been tasked with examining the grievances of teaching and non-teaching employees, reviewing relevant policies and regulations, assessing financial implications, and consulting stakeholders before presenting recommendations.

According to the notification, the committee has been given 40 days to complete its work and submit a comprehensive report addressing the issues raised by university employees.

The teachers’ boycott began on May 5 in response to unpaid dues related to evening classes, answer-sheet checking, examination supervision, paper setting, examination vigilance duties, house ceiling allowance, leave encashment, and several other financial matters.

In recent weeks, the protest has expanded beyond teaching staff, with non-teaching employees also joining the movement. The participating groups are demanding not only payment of outstanding dues but also an investigation into the financial difficulties currently facing Karachi University.

As the boycott continues, semester examinations remain suspended, affecting thousands of students and creating uncertainty regarding the academic calendar. Students and parents have expressed concern over the prolonged delay, fearing that examination schedules, semester durations, and future academic activities may be negatively affected.

Education experts warn that extended disruptions in examinations can have long-term consequences for students, including delays in graduation, admissions, scholarships, and employment opportunities.

For now, university employees remain firm in their stance, insisting that the strike will continue until their demands are met. With the newly formed committee expected to submit recommendations within 40 days, stakeholders hope that meaningful progress can be achieved to restore normal academic operations and protect students’ educational interests.