Sindh varsities waive fees for Palestinian students

In compliance with directives from the Department of Boards and Universities, vice-chancellors of multiple public universities in Sindh have exempted tuition fees and boarding charges for Palestinian students. The Department of Universities and Boards, aligning with the Sindh government's guidance, issued a letter instructing vice-chancellors to support Palestinian students across government universities in the province. The directive outlined the waiving of tuition fees, hostel expenses, and the provision of stipends for Palestinian students enrolled in these institutions.

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Presently, 50 Palestinian students are registered in government universities in Sindh. Acting upon the Sindh government's instructions, the Department of Universities and Boards directed vice-chancellors to waive tuition fees and hostel expenses, alongside ensuring stipends for these students. The letter specified that 14 Palestinian students are pursuing education in various Karachi universities, with three at Dow University of Health Sciences and eleven at Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Additionally, 11 students are studying at Quaid Awam University of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology in Nawabshah, Sindh, while nine are enrolled at Sindh University in Hyderabad and two at Mehran University. Furthermore, 13 students attend Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Jamshoro.

Vice-chancellors were instructed to take necessary actions in line with established rules and policies to implement the fee waiver and stipend provision seamlessly. Dr Amjad Siraj Memon, Vice Chancellor of Jinnah Sindh Medical University, conveyed sympathy for Palestinian students and highlighted that upon receipt of the letter, they promptly waived the fees and submitted the required report to the authorities.

Students protest

Educational institutions demonstrated solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned Israeli brutality in a protest attended by hundreds of students and teachers. Private educational institutions gathered at Hasan Square in Karachi to express their opposition to Israeli aggression in Gaza. During the demonstration, numerous students and teachers chanted pro-Palestine slogans and voiced their disapproval of Israel's actions. Holding Palestinian flags, students from private schools used hand-painted signs to raise awareness about the ongoing oppression in Palestine. The children passionately conveyed their message, emphasising their commitment to supporting the oppressed Palestinian population.

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Teachers encouraged displaying Palestinian flags on vehicles as a means to raise awareness. Students from Beacon Light Academy and other educational institutions also carried images of children who had lost their lives in Palestine, urging the international community to take notice of the Israeli aggression.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2023.