Explosion at varsity

The low intensity blast at the University of Karachi, injuring three students belonging to the Imamia Student’s Organisation (ISO), brings into focus the futility of having Rangers deployed on campus. The force failed to prevent the explosive from being brought onto campus and, despite angry protests from the ISO, failed to identify those responsible. The motives are unclear — though in the light of the situation in Karachi, it is possible to make intelligent guesses.

The stepped up violence at one of the largest institutions of learning in the country is disturbing. The university had remained closed for some time as a result of clashes between rival student groups. The ISO and the People’s Students Federation featured in the violence, disrupting exam schedules. Such frequent disruption of campus life does nothing to create an environment conducive for education. Universities are meant to be places where lectures, research and learning can take place in a spirit of serenity. When there is so much tension in the air, it becomes hard for students to focus on their studies and for teachers to teach. One was injured in the last round of clashes; others have been hurt in similar incidents at universities across the country.

It is sad that we are showing our young people how to walk along the path of violence. Dangerous games involving fire-arms or explosives are too well-known to many of them. Too few, meanwhile, understand the need for analysis and academic excellence that should be a part of higher learning. We desperately need to raise standards and ensure that our graduates and postgraduates are able to compete with the best in the world. For this to happen, a conducive atmosphere needs to be created so that education can proceed smoothly and students can walk through the gates of their colleges confident that, at the end of the day, they will be able to leave alive and unharmed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December  30^th, 2010.