This is the first time a dress code has been enforced since the college was established in 1954. PHOTO: FILE
Students at the Khyber Medical College (KMC) on Monday protested against the administration’s directives of imposing a uniform. This is the first time the college will have a dress code since it was established in 1954.
According to the college’s administration, a notification was issued on June 4 asking students to follow the dress code. Before the decision was taken, parents were also consulted.
Female students will be required to wear a maroon kameez with a white shalwar, dupatta and a lab coat. During winters, students must wear a maroon jersey or coat. A white abaya will be optional. Male students will be required to wear a white shirt, over a white shalwar or gray trousers, black shoes and a lab coat. They can choose whether or not to wear a cap.
The student body expressed their displeasure on the announcement and demanded the administration take back its decision.
A third year female student requesting anonymity said the decision was forced upon them and argued the colours were neither decent nor suitable. A second year student claimed all those attending the college are mature and well aware of the environment.
“What is right and what is wrong for us, we know better now. It’s a college, not a school and we disagree with the decision,” he said.
KMC Principal Prof Dr Noorul Iman said the decision was made after meeting senior faculty members. He claimed implementing a dress code will reduce class differences and help students from middle income backgrounds feel more included.
“This will bring uniformity and 90% of the students have agreed to the decision,” he claimed. “Parents have also agreed to it and appreciate the move.”
For effective implementation, the uniform will be checked at the college entrance, he said, adding they will try to convince students who disagree with the dress code.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ