KARACHI: Teaching activities remain suspended for the third consecutive day in more than 17 universities across Sindh, including the University of Karachi, following protests against the appointment of bureaucrats as vice chancellors.

The shutdown was called by the Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) Sindh chapter, demanding reforms in university governance and appointments. Key demands of protesters: FAPUASA has called for the appointment of qualified individuals from academia, rather than bureaucrats, as vice chancellors, citing the need to prioritize academic leadership. The federation has demanded the regularization of university teachers and an end to hiring on a contract basis.Protesters are calling for the restoration of university autonomy and the withdrawal of proposed amendments to the Universities Act that affect the appointment of vice chancellors. FAPUASA members have reiterated their commitment to continuing the boycott until their demands are met. Mohsin Ali, a member of the academic federation, emphasized the need for educational institutions to be led by educators rather than bureaucrats. “The teaching process will not resume until the government addresses our concerns and ensures academic freedom,” said a FAPUASA representative.