PESHAWAR:The University of Peshawar has introduced a new austerity program and merged several teaching departments with low enrollment and similar subjects to address the ongoing financial crisis.
The decision was made by the Academic Council on the basis of a report submitted by a merger committee. The merged departments will now function as combined institutes.
According to details, the Departments of Geography, Geomatics and Urban & Regional Planning have been merged to form a new institute. Similarly, Persian and Urdu, Sociology and Anthropology, and Pashto Academy and the Department of Pashto have also been merged.
The Departments of Archaeology, Tourism and Hotel Management have been combined into one department. The Departments of History, Philosophy and International Relations have also been merged.
In addition, Regional Studies, Gender Studies and Home Economics have been merged into a joint institute.
The final approval for the merger of these departments will be taken from the Syndicate.
The Academic Council also approved the new study scheme for BS programs and HEC’s Double Degree Policy.
A spokesperson for the University of Peshawar said that the merger of similar subjects will not affect education. He added that the establishment of joint institutes will help reduce expenditures, including faculty and other administrative costs.
The university administration says the step is aimed at ensuring financial stability and better utilization of resources.
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