Pakistan: Karachi University students’ protest against rising fees and poor facilities enters seventh day

The students’ union at Karachi University has now been protesting for the seventh consecutive day, highlighting a number of issues affecting students, such as increased fees, and partially boycotting classes.

The protest, which started in the administrative block, has received support from various departments and student organizations. As a result, the university’s administrative offices, canteens and some departments are partially closed, and bus operations have been suspended.

According to a report in the Express Tribune, the students are demanding a 50 per cent reduction in late fees, immediate removal of examination fees, abolition of the Pakistani rupee (PKR) 5,000 re-entry fee and prompt repair of the poor condition. Buses as well as improving classroom conditions.

They have pledged to continue their protest until their demands are met, highlighting ongoing concerns about high fees, inadequate facilities and transportation issues.

Earlier, protesters had claimed that the Vice-Chancellor, Khalid Mahmoud Iraqi, had halted the operation of transport points, forcing students to seek alternative routes home. Student leaders officially submitted their list of demands to the Vice Chancellor. After discussion, the student organization announced that the Iraqis had agreed to partially meet their requests.

The protest that started on Monday was organized by Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and Karachi University Students Alliance. The students were holding banners criticizing the poor condition of classrooms and the significant fee hike, The Express Tribune reported.

They also demanded abolition of the PKR 5,000 re-entry fee. Additionally, students demanded immediate repair of aging university buses and improvement in classroom conditions. The protesters said they would continue their protest until their demands were met and promised to intensify their action if needed.

The status of college education fees in Pakistan has become an important issue. The Pakistani government has faced criticism for not providing adequate financial aid or scholarships to students to help them cope with the rising cost of education.