KARACHI:
Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) in Islamabad is among the few internationally renowned universities in Pakistan. Students from across the country come to this university to pursue degrees in their chosen disciplines. Unfortunately, the mismanagement and negligent attitude of the authorities are now threatening the QAU’s campus. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) started construction work on the Bharakahu bypass without acquiring proper approval from the university administration. If the bypass is completed it will split the campus into two separate campuses making it difficult for the faculty and students to access different parts of the campus.
The bypass project violates the Pakistan Environment Protection Act 2000 as the CDA broke the campus’ walls and cut down trees without permission. Under the act, projects harming the environment will not be carried out. However, the CDA started construction work long ago. Some 40 families are living next to the project site who were not consulted by the CDA before initiating the project. The project is harmful to the environment as thousands of trees have been cut down and once the project is completed it will bring more environmental pollution.
The free land on the campus was for the university to expand and create additional research departments, laboratories, libraries, etc to facilitate the students. However, the university administration’s slow action is costing the students. Even though most students have mid-term exams, they have regularly protested against the violation of laws and illegal land allocation. This is affecting students’ preparation for exams and distressing many students. Around the world, countries invest in higher education institutes to promote social harmony and progress. Unfortunately, our authorities have failed to realise this. I urge the capital authorities, university administration, and CDA to resolve the issue at their earliest and halt the project.
Daman Ali
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th, 2022.
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