Students Suffer as Classes and Examinations Disrupted Amid Controversy at Urdu University

Thousands of students at the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST) have reportedly faced disruptions to their academic activities as ongoing administrative and financial controversies continue to affect the institution. Students and parents have expressed concerns over the loss of valuable academic time, increased stress, and additional financial burdens during a period of economic hardship.

According to sources, classes and examinations have been affected by disputes involving the university administration and faculty members. Some students claim they were unable to sit for scheduled examinations, raising fears about delays in academic progress and graduation timelines. The situation has created uncertainty for many families already struggling with rising living costs.

The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, has also been at the center of public debate regarding salary and benefits. Media reports have highlighted questions surrounding the fixation of the Vice Chancellor’s salary and related perks, while students protest for due classes exposed the already on-going cases of harassment previously against the VC who was also found guilty of passing derogatory remarks on female faculty last year, Some officials from the university reported these kind of cases have become common after Shinwari has taken over the office as VC.

Education stakeholders and Student Councils have called for immediate measures to ensure uninterrupted classes and examinations, emphasizing that students should not bear the consequences of administrative conflicts. Meanwhile, concerns continue to grow over the impact of the crisis on the university’s academic environment and deteriorating reputation.