Closure of commerce colleges draws criticism

In a move that has drawn strong criticism from teachers and clerks associations, the Punjab government has decided to shut down 10 major commerce colleges, including the Government Graduate College of Commerce, due to severe financial and economic crisis.

The colleges will be merged into other institutions, with their non-teaching staff, Grade-IV employees, and assets being integrated into the new colleges.

The decision affects one commerce college from each of the nine divisions of the province, including two colleges from Lahore. The list of colleges to be closed includes Government Graduate College of Commerce Rawalpindi, Government Graduate Commerce College Multan, Government Graduate Commerce College Sahiwal, and others.

The College Teachers Association and the All Pakistan Clerks Association have vehemently protested against the decision, terming it a move to "eliminate education". APCA Central Vice President Chaudhry Mubashir condemned the decision, stating that the government's inability to manage the province is not a justification for shutting down educational institutions. He warned that the decision will be challenged in court.

According to sources, the expenses of the colleges have increased significantly, and no funds have been allocated for them in the new budget. The provincial college directorate has issued an official circular requesting detailed reports from all divisional and district college directorates regarding the matter.

The decision is expected to be implemented during the summer vacations.

The shutdown of these commerce colleges has raised concerns about the future of education in Punjab, with many questioning the government's priorities in addressing the financial and economic crisis.