Problems in UoP: ISF conveys concerns to Khattak

CM promises changes in varsities’ admin, action on sexual harassment.

PESHAWAR: As part of its core duty to represent students of the province, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) chapter of the Insaf Students Federation met Chief Minister Pervez Khattak on Wednesday to discuss problems faced by students of the University of Peshawar.

According to the central leader of the ISF, Mina Khan Afridi, “Students are comfortable with ISF as it tries to solve their problems on a priority basis.” He added they have been supporting the provincial government in resolving students’ issues across the province as they are the ‘party’s backbone’.

Following complaints received by ISF, a delegation of its central leadership met Khattak and apprised him of threats being faced by UoP students after two student unions clashed last month over Valentine’s Day celebrations.  Several students had sustained injuries during the incident and belongings of some were destroyed after at least eight dorm rooms were set alight.

Province-wide concerns

Afridi shared the incident traumatised students who also complain that weapons are being stored in the hostels and the campus administration is not acting against those indulging in the illegal activity. The ISF leader added students not only demand a reshuffle of the UoP administration but also a clean-up operation in different universities and colleges across the province.

“Colleges and universities are meant to be places for study and research but this is hardly the case in the province. You exchange harsh words with someone and you are fired upon and your room  is set on fire,” stated Afridi.

The government needs to terminate this culture otherwise it will destroy the entire education system, he added.

The chief minister was informed about the indifferent behaviour of different universities’ and colleges’ administration officials, who, Afridi claimed, were politically appointees by the previous government. He revealed Khattak agreed on having a neutral setup at the administrative level so students feel comfortable.

“We also asked the chief minister about progress on enquiries conducted over harassment charges against faculty members to which Khattak said inquiries are under way and those found guilty will have to face the music,” claimed Afridi.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 10^th, 2014.