Sit in fallout: Capital students continue to lose time in classrooms

Cops still occupy 27 schools, no classes held this term.


APP September 15, 2014

ISLAMABAD: Students enrolled at 27 academic institutions of Federal Capital which are still closed due to the Constitution Avenue sit-ins will face long-term impacts in the future. A lot of time has been wasted for students, especially those who are due to appear in board and university examinations this year.

Expressing concern, teachers and lecturers shared with APP that all post-graduate institutes of Federal Capital are now affiliated with Quaid-e-Azam University, and according to university rules, fifth year and sixth year exams will be held separately, and in these circumstances, it would be difficult to complete the syllabus.

Likewise, they said, students of the federal board would also suffer , adding, “A Majority of the topics are interlinked and if we cut short the syllabus, it would be difficult for students to understand them at higher grade levels.”

Teachers said that initially, topics are taught in junior classes and are further expanded and elaborated on in higher classes. “How would it be possible for students to understand and clear concepts without basic knowledge,” they asked.

They said the prolonged vacation would also further distract students after the long summer break and it would be difficult to manage the momentum of their studies. They said weak students often do not easily focus on their studies and it is common practice at federal institutes to pinpoint areas where their students require extra attention for good results in the final exams, but this year, it seems impossible to follow this practice.

“Course revision is as important as completing the syllabus. At the start of every academic session, a proper schedule has been prepared,” teachers said adding, “this year we are already far behind our goals for September.”

We do not know how long these sit-ins would continue. The protesters have no idea how they are playing with the futures of students, a teacher commented.

A representative of the Capital Administration and Development Division when contacted said, “We have requested the Interior Ministry to accommodate the policemen elsewhere, or to give an alternative place for students”. The official further informed that in response to their request, more than half schools of the 60 schools initially occupied by the police were opened, but some others have still not been handed over.

The CADD recognizes the seriousness of the issue and is trying to make arrangement to open the remaining 27 schools at the earliest, the official said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2014.

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