UAJK VC calls for ‘shared effort’ as varsity faces Rs1.3bn deficit

MUZAFFARABAD: In a first-of-its-kind gathering in the University’s history, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (UAJK), Professor Nasir Jamal Khattak, addressed nearly 900 faculty members and staff who assembled under one roof to deliberate on the institution’s academic priorities, administrative challenges, and roadmap for future reforms.
The Vice Chancellor opened the session by acknowledging the dedication of the University’s faculty and staff and emphasizing the importance of collective effort, shared responsibility, and a forward-looking vision to strengthen the institution. He urged every member of the UAJK community to actively contribute to enhancing the quality of higher education and ensuring the institution serves as a pillar of opportunity for the region’s youth.
Speaking at the Main Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor then presented a detailed overview of the University’s financial position, stating that UAJK must secure PKR 1,304.533 million before the close of the 2025-26 financial year to meet its existing deficit. He added that the University pays PKR 590.286 million annually in pensions to retired employees, a recurring obligation that continues to exert significant pressure on its limited financial base.
For sustainable and long-term restructuring, he underlined the need for a one-time grant of PKR 2 billion each for an Endowment Fund and a dedicated Pension Fund, describing these measures as essential to reducing persistent fiscal pressures. The Vice Chancellor, who is also contributing a portion of his personal funds to the Endowment Fund on monthly basis, encouraged staff to join this collective effort “for the brighter future of our youth.”
Highlighting the importance of institutional integrity and academic standards, the Vice Chancellor said, “A university cannot advance without transparency, academic rigour and collective responsibility. Quality everlasting, and we hope it will continue to flourish in the days to come.”
Dr. Faqir Muhammad, director of the China Study Centre KIU, said the team gathered at Khunjerab Top to honor Chinese workers who are serving in Pakistan.
Aziz Ahmad Jan, in-charge of the Confucius Institute at KIU, also supported the campaign and highlighted ongoing efforts to protect the fragile environment of the border region.
Sadat Sher Khan, assistant professor at the Department of Agriculture and Food Technology, thanked the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy for expanding opportunities for Pakistani students in higher education.
He said the cleanliness drive was also intended to remind tourists to help protect Khunjerab Top.
“This is a watershed from where water flows to the entire Pakistan,” he said. “My message to all tourists is to keep this place clean,” Mr. Khan said.
Shabbir Ullah Biag, range forest officer at Khunjerab National Park, said the initiative carried a dual purpose to expressing gratitude to China for supporting Pakistani students and promoting environmental protection in the country’s northern highlands.-INP