KU Teachers Strike Disrupts Classes and Exams in Karachi
KU teachers strike has disrupted academic activities at University of Karachi for the past week. Teachers have suspended classes and boycotted examinations over pending financial demands. As a result, students across several departments now face delays in their academic schedules.
The protest began after faculty members demanded payment of the house ceiling allowance and leave encashment benefits. Teachers say the university should release these payments without further delay. In addition, the teachers’ association warned that the boycott would continue until authorities accepted their demands.
The ongoing strike has also affected examinations at the university. Many students now worry about further academic disruption if negotiations fail. Meanwhile, university officials continue discussions with government authorities to resolve the issue.
Teachers Demand Pending Benefits
The main dispute focuses on accommodation support and unpaid financial benefits. Under the house ceiling policy, teachers living on campus receive university accommodation. However, faculty members living outside campus receive a fixed housing allowance instead.
Teachers argue that these benefits are part of their rights as university employees. Therefore, they believe the administration should implement the policy immediately. Faculty representatives also say delays have created frustration among teachers for several years.
According to the university administration, implementing both demands would require between Rs550 million and Rs600 million. Officials say the university currently lacks the financial resources to cover these costs.
University Seeks Government Support
KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Khalid Iraqi has contacted the Sindh government for guidance on the issue. The university also asked whether the provincial government had formally adopted the house ceiling policy announced by the federal government.
University officials fear legal and administrative complications without provincial approval. In addition, the administration has requested financial support from the Sindh government to meet teachers’ demands. However, officials say they have not yet received a response, leaving negotiations at a standstill.
