KARACHI: Teachers at both campuses of Federal Urdu University have boycotted classes, while non-teaching staff also snubbed office work in protest against reversal of salary increase implemented by federal government and suspension of upcoming salary increment.

Classes remained suspended at University on Thursday. Teachers and staff gathered in front of administrative building at Gulshan Iqbal campus to protest and chanted slogans against administration. Unions of teachers and staff stated that University’s Vice-Chancellor issued orders to reverse salary increase granted in July. They emphasised that employees are already under mental stress due to non-payment of salaries and house rent allowances. Issuing such orders in this situation would be grave injustice to employees.

On other hand, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, regarding issue, stated, “It is unfortunate for Karachi that its teachers are always engaged in protests. We have tried to elevate this University to international standards, but teachers are not cooperative.”

“So far, no salary increase has been made, nor has there been any talk of reversing an increase. Only request was to have salary increase approved by syndicate, in accordance with rules and regulations.” He stated, “Syndicate meeting is scheduled for October 24, but these individuals are not willing to wait for it.”