IHC directs HEC, Finance Ministry to submit teachers’ promotion report

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to finalise and submit its long-pending promotion policy for Basic Pay Scale (BPS) faculty within 15 days, marking a major development in the All Pakistan Universities BPS Teachers Association’s (APUBTA) long-standing struggle for a defined service structure.

Justice Muhsin Akhtar Kiyani issued the directive while hearing a petition filed by APUBTA, which has been seeking formulation of a career progression mechanism for BPS faculty members across universities nationwide.

During the hearing, HEC Director General Nasir Shah Khattak informed the court that work on drafting the policy was underway. However, the judge expressed displeasure over the prolonged delay, noting that the absence of a clear promotion framework had adversely affected thousands of teachers.

Justice Kiyani observed that career advancement was a fundamental right of all faculty members, adding that a proper service structure would elevate their professional standing as well as improve their financial stability. In a pointed remark, he said if the commission felt “guilty” for delaying teachers’ career growth, it should consider compensating them with a monthly allowance to help offset rising living costs.

He also questioned HEC’s repeated reference to “our TTS faculty,” asking why the same sense of ownership was not extended to BPS faculty — a comment that drew light laughter in the courtroom.

APUBTA’s counsel, Advocate Karim Kundi, argued that under Section 10(1)(q) of the HEC Ordinance, it was the commission’s statutory obligation to frame such a policy — a responsibility it had avoided since its inception. APUBTA General Secretary Dr Imtiaz told the court that a draft policy had already been signed by the HEC DG and endorsed by finance officials.

The court directed HEC to submit progress and formal approval of the draft within 15 days of the appointment of the new HEC chairman, expected next week, before adjourning the hearing.

APUBTA welcomed the court order and thanked the large number of teachers who attended the proceedings in solidarity.