PESHAWAR – The crisis at the University of Peshawar (UoP) is worsening. In the past year, the historic institution has seen dozens of teachers resign, a sharp drop in student admissions, and rising uncertainty about its future. Once a symbol of higher learning in the region, it now stands amid administrative paralysis, academic decline, and government neglect.
For almost eight years, many faculty members—including a large number of women—have waited for long-overdue promotions. The administration’s silence, weak political will, and the Higher Education Department’s indifference have pushed teachers to resign.
More than 30 have left the university within a year. Some joined other universities in Pakistan; others moved abroad. Those who remain say the university is losing both its people and purpose.
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Last year, during a visit to the campus, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister acknowledged the teachers’ grievances and promised action. He allowed the Vice-Chancellor to start the promotion process. However, insiders confirm the Higher Education Department still has not issued the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The bureaucratic delay has halted all progress.
The faculty shortage adds to the crisis. Over the last six years, more than 60 teaching posts have stayed vacant due to retirements. With no replacements, many departments struggle to maintain basic academic activity.
The University of Peshawar Teachers Association (PUTA) expressed deep concern over the situation. In a statement, it called the crisis “the result of years of neglect and lack of government interest.” The group warned that without urgent action, the University of Peshawar could face an academic collapse.
UoP admissions Crisis
Admissions data reveals another alarming trend. This year, several departments enrolled only a handful of students. Home Economics admitted just two students. The same number enrolled in Development Studies, Logistics, and Human Development. Geography enrolled three, while History and Anthropology attracted four each. The Statistics Department enrolled seven, and Archaeology only 14, despite a re-admission notice.
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It is a sharp decline for an institution that once shaped scholars, policymakers, and intellectuals across the region. The University of Peshawar offers 69 disciplines across 54 departments. Yet more than half of these departments have fewer than 20 students. University regulations require at least 15 admissions to keep a department functional. Many have failed to meet this minimum.
Officials admit that admissions crisis stems partly from new Bachelor of Studies (BS) programs in government colleges. Lower fees attract students to those colleges. However, faculty members argue that deeper issues are driving students away—administrative inefficiency, repeated fee hikes, and declining academic standards. These problems have damaged the university’s reputation and reduced public trust.
The larger concern is not only about admissions or promotions—it is about what this decline reveals. The University of Peshawar, once the intellectual heart of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is struggling to preserve its legacy. If the situation continues, several departments may close altogether.
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Education experts urge the government to act quickly. Filling vacant posts, restoring promotions, and stabilizing admissions are vital steps to revive one of Pakistan’s oldest universities.
