UoP's low-grade staff enter third week of strike over unpaid salaries, pensions

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) The pen-down and work boycott strike by Class-III, Class-IV and sanitation employees of the University of Peshawar (UoP) has entered its third week, as workers continue to protest non-payment of salaries and pensions, raising serious concerns over administrative priorities and financial management.

According to a press release issued by employees’ representative associations on Sunday, low-grade staff have yet to receive full salaries for the month of March, while pensioners have reportedly not been paid any dues so far.

The prolonged delay has triggered growing frustration among workers, many of whom rely on timely payments to meet basic living expenses.

In response to the situation, employee bodies have decided to continue the strike into the third week and announced a complete lockout, warning of further escalation if their demands remain unmet.

The associations termed it “unjust and discriminatory” that, instead of clearing dues of low-income staff and pensioners, the administration has reportedly released partial salaries to employees in Grade-18 and above.

The move has intensified resentment among the protesting workers, who see it as a clear sign of unequal treatment.

The protesting employees have strongly condemned the administration’s actions and demanded immediate payment of all pending salaries and pensions.

They have also called for the removal of the current treasurer under Section 17-A of the University Act, alleging biased decision-making that, they claim, is adversely affecting lower-grade employees.

The situation has begun to impact routine operations, with fears that continued disruption may further affect institutional functioning if the standoff is not resolved promptly.