Students protest denial of admission at govt colleges in Swat
PTI MPA says chief minister has vowed to address grievances
When contacted, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Fazal Hakeem told The Express Tribune steps were being taken to address the issue. PHOTO: FILE
MINGORA:
Students took to the streets of Mingora on Saturday after they were denied admission at government colleges due to a shortage of space. They criticised the government for failing to create more space at institutes for the growing number of students in colleges.
The disgruntled protesters marched through the streets of Mingora and gathered outside Swat Press Club on Saturday. They also carried placards inscribed with anti-government slogans.
While addressing the protesters, Pashtun Students Federation President Ghulam Ali said the government’s policy regarding education has deprived 13,000 students from being enrolled at government colleges in Swat.
“At least 11,000 students were not provided admissions in 2015 in Swat,” he said. “The condition of education department is deteriorating with each passing year and the K-P government has turned a blind eye to demands to increase the number of seats at colleges in government sector.”
“The current situation has exposed the K-P government,” Ali said
Cycle of woes
Muhammad Ismail, a resident of Matta tehsil said the lack of seats in government colleges in had adversely impacted the education of students.
“At least 3,500 students applied for admission at government colleges in Matta tehsil,” he said. “But only 500 applicants were offered admissions.”
He feared the remaining 3,000 students, who were not granted admission, are likely not to pursue their studies.
“This is a serious concern as these people could turn towards militancy,” he said. “Both the federal and provincial governments must take steps to safeguard the future of students.”
“I scored 800 marks and was denied admission at a government college,” Usman Ali, a student from Mingora said. “Now my only option is to only get admission in a private college. But I cannot afford the high fees. I want to get an education but don’t know what to do.”
Official narrative
When contacted, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Fazal Hakeem told The Express Tribune steps were being taken to address the issue.
“I have raised the matter at the K-P Assembly and the chief minister has vowed to address their grievances,” he said. “Construction work is being carried out Government Degree College. This will help reduce the burden on other government colleges in the area.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2016.
Students took to the streets of Mingora on Saturday after they were denied admission at government colleges due to a shortage of space. They criticised the government for failing to create more space at institutes for the growing number of students in colleges.
The disgruntled protesters marched through the streets of Mingora and gathered outside Swat Press Club on Saturday. They also carried placards inscribed with anti-government slogans.
While addressing the protesters, Pashtun Students Federation President Ghulam Ali said the government’s policy regarding education has deprived 13,000 students from being enrolled at government colleges in Swat.
“At least 11,000 students were not provided admissions in 2015 in Swat,” he said. “The condition of education department is deteriorating with each passing year and the K-P government has turned a blind eye to demands to increase the number of seats at colleges in government sector.”
“The current situation has exposed the K-P government,” Ali said
Cycle of woes
Muhammad Ismail, a resident of Matta tehsil said the lack of seats in government colleges in had adversely impacted the education of students.
“At least 3,500 students applied for admission at government colleges in Matta tehsil,” he said. “But only 500 applicants were offered admissions.”
He feared the remaining 3,000 students, who were not granted admission, are likely not to pursue their studies.
“This is a serious concern as these people could turn towards militancy,” he said. “Both the federal and provincial governments must take steps to safeguard the future of students.”
“I scored 800 marks and was denied admission at a government college,” Usman Ali, a student from Mingora said. “Now my only option is to only get admission in a private college. But I cannot afford the high fees. I want to get an education but don’t know what to do.”
Official narrative
When contacted, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MPA Fazal Hakeem told The Express Tribune steps were being taken to address the issue.
“I have raised the matter at the K-P Assembly and the chief minister has vowed to address their grievances,” he said. “Construction work is being carried out Government Degree College. This will help reduce the burden on other government colleges in the area.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2016.