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 higher education requires that every individual; whether faculty or staff, works with the mindset of a shareholders, not merely an employee.”
“Our youth deserve a university built on strong foundations. Financial discipline, accountability and shared effort are essential for our survival and progress.”, he added.
Prof. Khattak offered himself for complete accountability, remarking that meaningful governance reform must begin at the top. He thoroughly responded to the questions and concerns raised by faculty and staff from various campuses, addressing administrative, academic and financial issues in detail.
The unprecedented gathering marked broad institutional engagement on academic, financial, and administrative matters.
On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor also presented a cash award from his personal funds to Mr. Abid Zamir Hashmi, a Stenographer at UAJK, in recognition of his courteous and commendable assistance to a visiting family during the admission process.
The faculty and staff thanked the Vice Chancellor for his openness, clarity and willingness to engage directly in institutional challenges, noting that such dialogue had strengthened confidence in the administration.
