A protest was held in Quetta by the Joint Action Committee of Jamia Balochistan, against the non-payment of 35% of the annual budget and developed allowances to teachers and employees of research centers for the last four months. The protest dharna was held in front of the gate, and it was chaired by Nazir Ahmad Lahiri. The dharna was addressed by Nazir Ahmad Lahiri, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman, Prof. Dr. Kaleemullah Bardich, Shah Ali Bugti, Farid Khan Achakzai,
Nimatullah Kakar, Gul Jan Kakar and Syed Mehboob Shah. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman expressed disappointment that the salaries and pensions of bureaucrats, judges, and senior administrative and military officers who receive monthly salaries and pensions of 15 lakhs are paid, but the salaries and pensions of teachers and employees of Jamia Balochistan are low. Their salaries and pensions for four months had been withheld by blocking the funds,
which is an anti-educational measure. The speakers announced that a dharna will be held in front of the main gate of Jamia Balochistan on Wednesday, April 3, for the payment of salaries and pensions. The members of the provincial assembly have assured the joint action committee that within two days, funds for four months of salaries and pensions for Jamia Balochistan will be released. They will also try to find a permanent solution to the financial crisis. Despite the clear orders of the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the assurance of the parliamentary committee comprising the members of the Provincial Assembly, the Provincial Finance Secretary has completely ignored the orders of the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the members of the Assembly for the past three years. They are continuously creating problems instead of providing the full amount for three months’ salaries and pensions. All teachers, officers, and employees are requested to participate fully in the upcoming dharna.
