Balochistan University Employees Protest Over Unpaid Salaries in Quetta
Hundreds of employees from the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) protested on Thursday in Quetta over unpaid salaries that have been overdue for several months. The protestors marched along Airport Road and assembled at Markhor Chowk.
Key Issues Raised
BUITEMS Staff Association President Sohail Anwar and other leaders addressed the rally, criticizing the university administration for its ‘indifferent and harsh’ approach. They highlighted unresolved house requisitions, medical policies, unpaid bonuses and salaries, suspended study leave, and a freeze on promotions.
Accusations and Demands
Anwar accused the university registrar of being ‘the most corrupt person’ and claimed that the registrar is under investigation by the Balochistan Anti-Corruption Bureau. The protesters demanded the registrar’s immediate removal pending the investigation’s outcome. Anwar also revealed that 15 staff members had received show-cause notices for advocating their fundamental rights.
Call for Audit
The protestors called for a comprehensive 10-year audit of the university’s financial and performance records. BUITEMS, which serves over 10,000 students, is grappling with a severe financial crisis that threatens its existence. The university is ranked among the top 500 universities in Asia.
Wider Issues in Balochistan
Previously, another Balochistan-based educational institution, the University of Makran in Panjgur, held a press conference to express frustrations over severe deficiencies in basic amenities. University teachers in Balochistan continue to face persistent salary delays, inadequate infrastructure, administrative inefficiencies, and limited career advancement opportunities, further exacerbating their challenging working conditions.
Doubts Revealed
Balochistan -: Balochistan is a province in Pakistan. It’s like a big area or state in the country.
Quetta -: Quetta is the capital city of Balochistan province in Pakistan. It’s like the main city where important things happen.
BUITEMS -: BUITEMS stands for Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences. It’s a big school where students learn about computers, engineering, and business.
Registrar -: A registrar is a person who keeps all the important records at a university. It’s like a school office worker but for a big university.
Corruption -: Corruption means doing something wrong or illegal, like stealing money or cheating. It’s like breaking the rules to get something unfairly.
Audit -: An audit is when experts check the financial records to make sure everything is correct. It’s like counting all your money to see if any is missing.
Financial crisis -: A financial crisis means having big money problems. It’s like when you don’t have enough money to buy the things you need.