ISLAMABAD – Faculty members across Pakistan have raised alarms regarding the recent budget allocations for higher education, deeming them inadequate too address the sector’s escalating financial demands. The announced budget has sparked concerns about universities’ ability to sustain operations and maintain educational quality.

For the fiscal year 2025-26, the federal government has earmarked Rs66.4 billion for the higher education sector’s recurring budget, which covers non-development expenditures such as salaries and pensions. This allocation falls short of the Rs84.6 billion requested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

According to sources within HEC, the commission had submitted a budget proposal of Rs84.6 billion as a recurring grant. Though, the government’s allocation of Rs66.4 billion has created a meaningful gap, raising concerns about potential funding shortfalls.

The development budget has also faced cuts, with an allocation of Rs39.4 billion for development projects in the upcoming fiscal year,compared to Rs65 billion in the previous year.

“As 2018, the number of universities and student enrollments has increased considerably, while inflation, utility charges, and operational expenditures have continued to rise sharply. Despite these realities,the government has failed to provide the additional funding required to sustain universities,placing severe financial strain on institutions across the country,” the statement read.

“FAPUASA strongly urges the government to reconsider and revise the Federal Budget 2025-26 and adequately address these critical issues in the Finance Bill. Failure to act will severely undermine Pakistan’s higher education system and negatively impact the country’s long-term socio-economic development,” it concluded.