The issue of QAU visiting faculty unpaid salaries has once again brought attention to the ongoing financial instability at Quaid-i-Azam University, one of Pakistan’s top public institutions. For months, visiting faculty members have been waiting for their rightful payments, raising serious concerns about how universities in Pakistan are managing academic human resources.
QAU Visiting Faculty Unpaid Salaries Highlight Financial Mismanagement
The delay in releasing QAU visiting faculty unpaid salaries has stemmed from a larger budget crisis. As per the Academic Staff Association (ASA) of QAU, the university is facing a massive budget shortfall of nearly Rs800 million. This deficit has affected various areas, including lab supplies, research grants, medical reimbursements, and most critically — faculty salaries.
Visiting lecturers, who are typically hired on a contractual or per-lecture basis, are among the hardest hit. Despite their crucial contribution to the university’s academic system, these faculty members have been teaching without pay for several months. The ASA claims this financial crunch dates back to January 2023 and has continued into 2024.
Higher Education in Crisis: Visiting Faculty Await Payments
The QAU visiting faculty unpaid salaries issue reflects a broader pattern seen across Pakistani universities. Institutions like the University of Karachi and several universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also faced similar accusations of exploitation, with lecturers often receiving just Rs600 per lecture — and that too, months later.
This situation not only affects the mental well-being of teachers but also directly impacts the quality of education provided to students. Many visiting faculty members are now considering quitting or switching careers due to lack of financial security.
Calls for Urgent Government Intervention
In response to the QAU visiting faculty unpaid salaries crisis, the ASA has formally approached top government officials including the President, Prime Minister, and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), demanding an immediate bailout of Rs5 billion. The appeal highlights that without urgent intervention, QAU may soon struggle to retain qualified faculty or maintain its academic standards.
Will the Government Act on QAU Visiting Faculty Unpaid Salaries?
As the issue of QAU visiting faculty unpaid salaries continues to trend, it raises an important question: Will the government address the financial instability in Pakistan’s higher education sector before more damage is done?
For now, the visiting faculty at QAU continues to wait — not just for their salaries, but for recognition and respect for their essential academic roles.
