QUETTA: Balochistan’s biggest academic institution is facing a crisis, due to insufficient funding and increase in expenses the survival of the Balochistan university is in danger.
According to details, the Vice Chancellor of the university has written a letter to Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti for financial assistance as there is no money to pay pension to retired employees of the institution.
On July 21, 2025, the letter issued by the Secretariat of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan with the subject of “Saving the University of Balochistan” stated that the unwavering commitment and efforts of the government for educational development under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Balochistan have led to progress in transformation in the province and the launch of fully funded PhD scholarships in internationally renowned universities has provided new global opportunities to our talented youth.
It added that with the joint efforts of the Chief Minister Balochistan, the Minister of Education and the Chief Secretary Balochistan, the fund allocated for higher education from Rs 2.5 billion has been increased to Rs 8 billion to reduce the financial deficit faced by universities across the province.
The letter draws the attention of the Chief Minister Balochistan to the alarming situation of the University of Balochistan Quetta, which is the largest academic institution in the province, and states that since 1970, it has been a center of higher education, research and cultural integration, but now its existence is facing a crisis due to severe financial, administrative and academic challenges.
The letter states that the university has 53 departments, 6 faculties, and several specialized centers where more than 10,000 students are being enlightened with the light of knowledge, but due to past liabilities, inadequate funding, and increase in operational expenses of the last few years, the survival of the University of Balochistan Quetta is at risk.
The letter states that the university has not paid the pension commutation/graduation and leave of employees who retired from 2019, examination bills from 2019, bills for evaluation of PhD thesis, stationery, PERN, etc. UoB is the oldest institution in Balochistan and its physical infrastructure also needs repair and maintenance (R&M). Due to lack of financial resources, the university is struggling to pay salaries and pensions.
The letter states that research activities, laboratories, and libraries are not only outdated but also lack modern facilities. Serious security challenges have forced the university to take additional security measures. What is there, but no funds are available to meet these needs. Federal and provincial grants have not been increased in proportion to the growing needs of the university for many years. The letter further states that despite being the largest and only comprehensive university in the province, the University of Balochistan is receiving inadequate financial assistance.
The current operational deficit and liabilities have reached about one billion rupees. If timely practical steps are not taken in this matter, the university may become completely inactive, which will jeopardize the future of thousands of students and the employment of employees.
The letter appeals to the Chief Minister of Balochistan to take immediate and long-term steps to save this institution and secure the future of thousands of students of Balochistan.
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It also requests the federal and provincial governments to provide a special financial package and sustainable funding support so that the university can continue its important educational, research and social role. If this institution collapses, the loss will not be limited to Balochistan alone but will affect the entire nation.
