QUETTA: A high-level meeting to address the financial and administrative affairs of public sector universities in Balochistan was chaired by Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti. The meeting was attended by key provincial officials, including Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, Planning and Development Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi, and Vice Chancellors from Balochistan’s public universities.
The meeting focused on the universities’ pressing financial challenges, with CM Bugti issuing immediate directives to ensure the timely payment of salaries and pensions for faculty and staff. “Only those fulfilling their duties will be entitled to their salaries. No one will be paid for sitting at home,” CM Bugti emphasized, warning of strict action against absenteeism.
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the unchecked rise in non-developmental expenditures at public universities and instructed Vice Chancellors to downsize excessive staffing and strengthen their financial management systems. “Universities must focus on efficient financial practices to avoid waste,” he stated.
Key decisions were made, including a freeze on new hires and non-essential construction. The recruitment of essential teaching staff will proceed on an ad-hoc basis under a new act. To boost the financial independence of universities, a committee led by Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan was established to explore public-private partnership initiatives for commercial activities within the institutions.
CM Bugti also highlighted the need for comprehensive legislation, instructing the introduction of the Balochistan Contract Appointment Act to streamline appointments on a contractual basis. He reassured that despite the financial difficulties, the government would continue to support public universities, but in return, he called for “better results and accountability.”
This meeting underscores the government’s commitment to improving the financial stability and governance of public universities in Balochistan, ensuring that resources are managed efficiently while providing quality education to the province’s students.
