ISLAMABAD: The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) on Sunday urged the government to restore the 25 per cent tax rebate for teachers and researchers, using the same analogy of tax exemption granted to players participating in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

FAPUASA President Dr Amjad Abbas Magsi accused the government of “preferential treatment” by waiving income taxes for the ICC and international athletes without paying any heeds to demands of educators who have been protesting and demanding reversal of the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) decision to ended 25pc tax relief.

Dr Magsi highlighted that teachers’ salaries had been “significantly slashed” mid-fiscal year due to the FBR’s unilateral decision to revoke the rebate in December 2024.

He stated that the tax rebate, initially announced by the finance minister in the June 28, 2024 budget speech and enshrined in income tax manuals since 2022, was abruptly overturned by the FBR.

Universities were directed not only to deduct full taxes from academics’ salaries but also to recover arrears from the past three years. He said that despite repeated appeals to the prime minister, finance minister and FBR chairman, the demands of teachers were not met.

The FAPUASA chief also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of higher education, citing chronic under-funding, increased bureaucratic interference in university governance and controversial changes to vice-chancellor appointment criteria.

He warned that neglecting public-sector universities—which cater predominantly to middle- and lower-income students—would have dire consequences for Pakistan’s education system and youth.

Calling for urgent intervention, Dr Magsi demanded the immediate restoration of the tax rebate and warned of nationwide protests if the government failed to act.

For the last month, teachers have been protesting against the action of FBR to end the tax relaxation for teachers.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025