KARACHI:
Students from across the country come to Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) to attain higher education. Most students spend their free time on campus interacting with their peers to discuss academic issues, future plans, political affairs, etc. Often students get into arguments over petty issues, but these are usually resolved by members of the QAU students’ federation.
However, recent events such as vacating hostels overnight, halting academic activities, and cancelling former students’ degrees have left students disappointed and disoriented. QAU is known for its diversity and healthy learning environment, but recent events have set a poor precedent. The administration has announced new policies on hostels and shifted classes online till the end of Ramadan. Many students who come from far-flung and remote areas already experienced problems in terms of finding alternative accommodation or moving back to their hometowns. Now, they may face internet connectivity issues and miss out on important lectures and suffer during exams.
Given that the university is taking fees for the new semester, it should facilitate students and find a way to resume academic activities on campus. The majority of the Pakistani youth do not have any avenues for leisure or means of interaction with other like-minded individuals outside of universities. Therefore, universities should promote interactive activities among students and resolve internal conflicts on their own. Students should not have to suffer because of a few wayward elements. QAU and all other universities must form policies to protect the students and avoid hampering their education.
Gul Muhammad Khan
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, March 24th, 2023.
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