ISLAMABAD (Khyber Mail): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has taken notice of inequalities and unfair practices in the promotion and appointment of university teachers under the BPS (Basic Pay Scale) and TTS (Tenure Track System). Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani is presiding over the case, which was filed by BPS teachers seeking reforms and equitable opportunities.
During the hearing, Justice Kayani directed relevant authorities to provide details of discriminatory promotions within public universities before the next hearing. He indicated the possibility of issuing orders to halt biased and unequal promotion practices once sufficient evidence is reviewed.
The petition, submitted by over 50,000 university teachers under the platform of the All Public Universities BPS Teachers Association (APUBTA), highlights years of struggle for the approval of a service structure and promotion policy. Despite repeated assurances, including a 2022 agreement with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to finalize the policy within three months, progress has been stalled. Teachers allege that HEC officials continue to delay action and fail to respond to legal requests, exacerbating the challenges faced by BPS faculty.
The petitioners pointed out that TTS faculty members are granted swift and backdated promotions, leading to situations where juniors and even former students of BPS faculty members are now securing senior administrative positions, such as department chairs and deans. The disparity has led to frustration, with BPS teachers feeling sidelined and deprived of their rights.
The IHC’s intervention is being seen as a potential turning point. Justice Kayani acknowledged the grievances of the BPS faculty and emphasized the need for transparency and fairness. He expressed willingness to issue directives to stop discriminatory practices if sufficient evidence is provided.
APUBTA has also raised concerns about financial disparities, pointing out that TTS faculty enjoy salaries 35% higher than their BPS counterparts, along with an annual additional salary. Meanwhile, BPS teachers remain without adequate service structures or promotion policies.
The case has drawn attention to long-standing issues in public sector universities, with education stakeholders hopeful that the IHC ruling will bring an end to the systemic inequities and ensure justice for BPS faculty. Further proceedings are awaited, with the teaching community looking to the judiciary for a resolution.