APUEF demands audit of KP universities, opposes privatization

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2026) The All Pakistan Universities Employees Federation (APUEF) on Tuesday called for a transparent audit of universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and strongly opposed privatization policies in the higher education sector across country.

The federation also demanded that universities be brought under Federal control, while raising concerns over delayed salaries and alleged preferential promotions despite financial constraints.

The demands were put forward by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of APUEF during a meeting with the central leadership at the University of Peshawar here on Tuesday.

A seven-point charter of demands was submitted, which would be presented to the Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) on April 2.

The meeting, attended by central President Chaudhry Basharat Mahmood and General Secretary Tayyab Ijaz Swati, along with representatives of various university employees’ associations, discussed key challenges being faced by public sector universities in the province.

Participants highlighted governance and financial issues, stating that several academic departments with low or no student enrollment required immediate review. They urged authorities to take corrective measures to improve efficiency in the higher education sector.

The federation also criticized the provincial government’s policy regarding issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and called for inquiries into university policies, similar to those conducted at Gomal University.

APUEF KP President Abdul Malik assured full cooperation with the central leadership and reiterated the need for immediate reforms to address the issues confronting universities. The meeting also paid tribute to the efforts and contributions of the Balochistan chapter leadership.