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PoJK University Reports Record PKR 1.3 Billion Deficit, Seeks Urgent Govt Aid

The University of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe financial crisis, reporting a deficit exceeding PKR 1.3 billion for the current fiscal year. The university attributes the shortfall to escalating pension obligations and years of stagnant government grants, warning its position is unsustainable without immediate support. This situation underscores broader systemic challenges of underfunding and resource shortages in the region's education sector.

Key Points: Financial Crisis at PoJK University: PKR 1.3 Billion Deficit Highlights Funding Shortfall

  • University of PoJK reports massive PKR 1.3 billion deficit
  • Spokesperson warns institution's finances are critically unsustainable
  • Rising pension liabilities, hitting PKR 590 million, are a key driver
  • Stagnant government grants have failed to keep pace with inflation and costs
  • The crisis reflects chronic underfunding across PoJK's education sector
  • Critics warn lack of investment risks making education merely symbolic
2 min read

PoJK university reports record deficit of 1.3 bln, demands immediate govt support

The University of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir faces an unmanageable deficit of over PKR 1.3 billion, driven by rising pension costs and stagnant grants, threatening its sustainability.

"The financial position of our institution has become critically unsustainable. - Mubashar Naqvi / University SpokespersonOur pension bill alone has reached PKR 590 million this year, and it will continue to rise as the number of pensioners increases. - Mubashar Naqvi / University Spokesperson"

Muzaffarabad, December 21

The University of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is facing an unprecedented financial crisis, with its budget for the current fiscal year showing a deficit of over 1.3 billion Pakistani currency (PKR), Dawn reported.

The institution has described the shortfall as unmanageable without urgent government support.

Established in Muzaffarabad in 1980 as the region's first public-sector university, the institution later opened three constituent colleges in Mirpur, Rawalakot, and Kotli, which were subsequently upgraded to independent universities.

While the parent university's assets were distributed among the new institutions, Dawn reported that the University of PoJK retained pension and other long-term liabilities, which significantly increased its financial burden.

Rising pension obligations, inflation, and stagnant government grants have since widened the deficit, placing the university's financial sustainability under severe strain. "The financial position of our institution has become critically unsustainable," University spokesperson Mubashar Naqvi told Dawn.

He noted that projected income for FY2025-26 falls far short of expenditure, particularly employee-related costs.

"Our pension bill alone has reached PKR 590 million this year, and it will continue to rise as the number of pensioners increases," he added, emphasising that grants from the Higher Education Commission and the PoJK government have remained unchanged for years.

The University of PoJK's financial struggles reflect broader challenges in the region's education system. Schools and colleges in PoJK often face chronic underfunding, outdated curricula, and a shortage of qualified teachers.

Several media reports have noted that many students lack access to modern laboratories, libraries, and digital learning resources, limiting opportunities for higher academic achievement.

While government funding is frequently delayed or insufficient, political interference and mismanagement further hinder progress.

As a result, literacy rates and educational outcomes in the region lag behind national averages, and graduates often struggle to compete for jobs or higher education opportunities outside PoJK.

Critics argue that without urgent reform and sustained investment, education in the region risks remaining largely symbolic rather than genuinely empowering.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the financial crisis is unfortunate, it highlights a systemic issue. The report mentions political interference and mismanagement. Until governance is cleaned up, throwing more money might not solve the core problem. The focus should be on transparent and efficient use of resources first.
A
Aman W
Pension liabilities crippling a university is a story we see in many places. It's a tough balance between honoring past employees and investing in the future. The situation there seems particularly dire. Feel for the students and faculty.
S
Sarah B
Reading about outdated curricula and lack of digital resources is heartbreaking. In today's world, access to modern education is not a luxury, it's a necessity. This deficit is about more than money; it's a deficit of opportunity for an entire generation.
V
Vikram M
The article calls it PoJK. We in India know it as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir. The development and welfare of the people there, including education, is ultimately a responsibility that lies with the administration in control. The struggle for basic facilities is telling.
K
Karthik V
Stagnant grants for years despite inflation? That's a recipe for disaster anywhere. It shows where education ranks on the priority list. Without strong educational foundations, how can any region hope to progress? A very shortsighted approach by the authorities.

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