The Federation of All Pakistan Universities Academic Staff Associations (FAPUASA) has strongly urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reverse its decision to revoke the 25% tax rebate for full-time teachers and researchers. Calling the move “illegal, illogical, and a violation of parliamentary authority,” FAPUASA has demanded an immediate rollback.

In an official letter to the FBR Chairman, FAPUASA President Dr. Amjad Abbas Magsi and General Secretary Dr. Muhammad Uzair specifically sought the withdrawal of letters, including No. 3997 dated January 8, 2025, issued by the Chief Commissioner of the Regional Tax Office in Rawalpindi.

According to a press release by Dr. Ahtisham Ali, Central Information Secretary, FAPUASA had previously appealed to Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb for the rebate’s restoration. The association emphasized that the tax relief was officially approved in the 2024-25 budget speech on June 28, 2024, and has been part of National Assembly records and income tax manuals since 2022.

Copies of FAPUASA’s latest appeal have been sent to the President, Prime Minister, and Finance Minister, calling for urgent intervention. Expressing frustration over the situation, Dr. Magsi criticized the FBR’s abrupt mid-year reversal, stating it disregards parliamentary decisions and is based on arbitrary interpretations. He warned that the sudden revocation has intensified unrest among university faculty, who are already burdened by financial instability, delayed salaries, and administrative challenges.

While recognizing previous government efforts to retain the rebate, FAPUASA cautioned that if the issue remains unresolved, it will have no choice but to launch nationwide protests against what it deems an “unjustified” move by the FBR.