KARACHI:
Karachi University (KU) has recently introduced a new admissions policy for bachelors programmes, which is the KSP formula — Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan. It gives preference to students who have completed their matriculation and intermediate education from institutions in Karachi. The policy has faced criticism from students as it will grant admissions based on geographical origin instead of competency and merit.
Under the KSP policy, students from Karachi will be prioritised for admission. If seats remain vacant, then students from Sindh and other provinces of the country will be considered. No university has ever adopted such a policy. The policy is unjust as many students from different parts of the country who have been preparing for KU admissions may not be selected.
All students have the right to seek admission to any university in the country, as guaranteed by Article 25 of the constitution, which ensures equal rights for all citizens, irrespective of sex, race, ethnicity or class. This policy appears to contradict the Constitution. Furthermore, this policy is also against the Higher Education Commission’s policy, which aims to promote equal access to higher education for all Pakistanis. Therefore, the KU administration and other concerned authorities must reconsider this policy and ensure equal treatment for all students.
Akbar Palijo
Larkana
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
