SHC directs HEC to resolve promotion policy for university BPS faculty

KARACHI: In a landmark development for the rights of university faculty across Pakistan, the Sindh High Court has disposed of a constitutional petition filed by Dr Kamran Zakria and fellow assistant professors at NED University, directing the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to resolve the long-standing issue of promotions for Basic Pay Scale (BPS) faculty members.

The petition, filed by members of the All Pakistan University BPS Teachers Association (APUBTA), challenged the HEC’s inaction in implementing a fair and transparent promotion policy for BPS faculty — an issue that has remained unresolved since 2002.

The petitioners argued that despite a formal agreement dated March 10, 2022, and a subsequent notification issued on March 11, 2022, the HEC failed to fulfil its commitment to finalise the promotion policy, thereby violating their fundamental rights under Articles 4 and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

It is noteworthy that more than 60,000 BPS faculty members have long demanded a structured service framework. They have staged protests, sit-ins, and presented their case at various forums — including the Senate, National Assembly, and HEC — but have repeatedly faced delays from the commission. The court’s direction is now expected to expedite a resolution.

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SHC Justices Muhammad Karim Khan Agha and Adnan-ul-Karim Memon acknowledged the petitioners’ grievances, noting that BPS faculty members had been deprived of promotions while their counterparts in the Tenure Track System (TTS) continued to receive timely career advancements under more favourable terms.

In its judgment, the court found the petitioners’ demands to be based on merit and fairness, and directed the HEC to hear the petitioners and resolve the matter within three months, strictly in accordance with the law. The ruling also underscored the need for institutional accountability in addressing long-pending service matters.

“This is a significant step forward for thousands of BPS faculty members who have been ignored for over two decades despite having higher qualifications,” said Dr Kamran Zakria, lead petitioner in the case.

“The court’s direction is a resounding affirmation that our rights matter and must be respected.”

APUBTA President Dr Sami ur Rahman, General Secretary Dr Imtiaz Ahmad, and other core committee members welcomed the verdict, urging the HEC to act in good faith and implement the promotion policy without further delay. They called for meaningful consultation with all stakeholders to avoid further legal complications and resistance from the teaching community nationwide.