University of Peshawar Employees Stage Protest Over Salary and Pension Delays

Employees of the University of Peshawar took to the streets on Monday, protesting against the non-payment of salaries and pensions for March 2026. The demonstration highlights an escalating financial crisis affecting one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s oldest educational institutions.

Road Blockade Disrupts Traffic in Peshawar

A large number of university staff gathered outside the campus and blocked Jamrud Road, a major artery in the city. The protest caused significant traffic congestion, leaving commuters stranded in hot weather conditions for hours. 

Protesters raised slogans against both the university administration and the provincial government, accusing them of failing to address ongoing financial issues.

Partial Salary Payments and Unpaid Pensions

According to employee representatives, the university has only partially disbursed salaries. Lower-grade workers reportedly received payments in installments, while faculty members were paid just a fraction—around 40%—of their due wages. Retired staff, meanwhile, have yet to receive their pensions entirely. 

Officials revealed that approximately Rs131 million in salaries and Rs162 million in pensions remain unpaid for March, intensifying financial stress among employees and pensioners. 

Teachers Association Appeals for Government Support

The Peshawar University Teachers Association has formally requested financial assistance from Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. In a letter, the association described the university as a long-standing pillar of education in the province but warned that its workforce is now under severe financial pressure. 

The association also highlighted that many staff members are struggling to cover essential expenses such as rent, utility bills, healthcare, and education costs for their children.

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Growing Uncertainty Over Future Payments

The ongoing financial instability has raised concerns about the university’s ability to meet salary and pension obligations in the coming months. Employees have warned that protests may escalate if immediate action is not taken to resolve the issue. 

Despite repeated delays, teaching and administrative staff have continued academic activities without disruption. However, officials caution that maintaining normal operations may become increasingly difficult without urgent financial intervention.

Wider Implications for Public Universities

The situation at the University of Peshawar reflects broader funding challenges faced by public sector universities in Pakistan. Analysts warn that prolonged financial instability could impact not only employees but also the overall quality of education and institutional sustainability in the region.