KU faculty boycott disrupts semester exams over unpaid dues

KARACHI: Semester examinations at the University of Karachi were disrupted on Tuesday after the Karachi University Teachers' Society (KUTS) boycotted the examination process over the administration's failure to clear pending payments and allowances.

The boycott produced a mixed situation across the university's faculties as exams began. Some departments in the science faculty and most departments in the arts faculty continued with examinations, while others, particularly in the Faculty of Pharmacy, observed the boycott.

The disruption forced thousands of students to return home without sitting their papers, as they had arrived at examination venues in hot and humid weather.

Teachers cite unpaid dues and financial strain

In a statement, KUTS said its decision was based on practical considerations and described the move as logical rather than emotional.

The teachers' body said the university administration had not released several pending dues, including leave encashment, payments for the evening programme, and an increase in house ceiling allowances. Other unpaid amounts included house ceiling arrears, supervisor fees, paper checking charges, paper setting payments, and invigilation charges.

KUTS said the continued non-payment had placed teachers under severe financial pressure. The association also said the university was facing a financial deficit of around Rs1.6 billion and called for a transparent assessment of the reasons behind the shortfall.

According to the statement, the teachers' body had repeatedly tried to resolve the matter through negotiations, written correspondence, and consultative forums, but those efforts did not produce results. Protest had therefore become the only remaining option.

Concerns over academic schedule

Under the official schedule, semester examinations are due to continue throughout May. However, the boycott has raised concerns about wider academic disruption if the impasse continues.

The situation could become more complicated because many teachers are expected to go on summer vacations in June, which may delay completion of the examination process.

The boycott has therefore created uncertainty for students as the examination cycle moves forward, with some departments proceeding as planned and others suspending participation in the process.