Fuuast VC under fire as Senate panel probes varsity’s crises
KARACHI: The prolonged administrative and financial crises at the Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology (Fuuast) were discussed at a special meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Education at Sindh Governor House on Friday, where the incumbent vice chancellor faced criticism over his handling of the university’s affairs. The meeting was chaired by the convener of the…
Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology (Fuuast) is facing scrutiny from a Senate Standing Committee on Education after a series of financial and administrative crises. The committee, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, heard from Fuuast's Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari, who defended his handling of the university's affairs.
However, several senators criticized the vice chancellor's management, questioning why key decisions were made without a quorum and if the university's declining enrollment reflected academic standards or administrative issues. Fuuast's enrollment has dropped from 17,058 in the 2024-25 academic year to 16,259 in 2026-27. The university's funding has increased by about 10%, while its salary expenditure has risen by around 20%.
The committee also inquired about Fuuast's exclusion from a recent bailout package for federal universities, despite its financial struggles. The university's outstanding liabilities are estimated at Rs2 billion, and many employees, including retired staff, have not received their salaries and pension arrears.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Senate panel orders review of FUUAST admin affairs amid financial crisis dailytimes.com.pk
