The fate of over 200 students of Hazara University’s (HU) Pharmacy Department is uncertain, as the Pakistan Pharmacy Council has not yet recognised the department.
The department, established in Hazara University’s Havelian Campus in 2007, offers a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharma D) to 40 students every year.
However, even though the first batch is about to graduate, the council has yet to recognise the department, resulting in psychological stress among graduating students who are uncertain about their futures.
According to sources in the department, PPC has expressed dissatisfaction over the arrangements and facilities at the campus and has warned the university administration of closing down the department.
“The department was supposed to have a library with 6,400 books, a computer laboratory, a veterinary hospital and three PhD faculty members. However, there are only 700 books in the library and only a single PhD instructor, while the hospital is yet to be established,” said a student who declined to be identified.
The students also took out a protest and warned the administration of blocking the Karakoram Highway if the department was given not recognised and given proper facilities.
HU Public Relations Officer Sajjad Ahmed, when contacted, said the issue has been taken up with the council and a delegation would visit the campus. He claimed the department was providing all necessary facilities to students and work on the veterinary hospital is under way.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 17th, 2011.
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