Employees of the University of Peshawar (UoP) staged a protest on Monday over the non-payment of March salaries and pensions, as reported by Dawn. During the demonstration, a large number of staff members blocked Jamrud Road outside the campus, chanting slogans against both the provincial government and the university administration. The blockade caused severe inconvenience to commuters, especially in the hot weather.

The president of the Class-III Association, Imtiaz Khan, stated that the historic university was facing serious financial difficulties, while neither the administration nor the provincial government had taken effective steps to resolve the issue. He added that March salaries had been partially disbursed to lower-grade employees, with faculty members receiving only 40 percent of their pay, while retired staff had not yet received their pensions.

He warned that the protest would be escalated if timely payments were not ensured. Separately, the Peshawar University Teachers Association has written to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi requesting urgent financial support for the institution. The association expressed deep concern over the worsening situation at UoP, describing it as a long-standing institution that has played a vital role in educating and shaping generations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It emphasized that the university has long served as a key center for education and professional development in the region.

The letter further highlighted that employees are currently under significant financial stress, with half of March salaries still unpaid and pensions not released. Many staff members and retirees are struggling to meet basic needs such as rent, utilities, medical expenses, and education costs for their children.

Despite ongoing delays over the past year, faculty and staff have continued their duties without disrupting academic activities. However, the association warned that such conditions are unsustainable without immediate relief, stressing that financial instability at public universities ultimately impacts not only employees but also thousands of families across the province.