KARACHI, Oct 14: Classes at some of the departments at the University of Karachi were disturbed as a group of students not satisfied with the new admission policy continued protest rallies and demonstrations on Friday as well.
A number of students under an alliance marched through different departments and chanted slogans against the varsity administration for what they termed as an ill-advised move to restrict admissions of students from outside Karachi at the varsity from the ensuing academic session.
No untoward was reported as adequate security measures were observed, said a senior official of the varsity.
In contrast to Thursday rallies, demonstrations held on Friday attracted a good number of students who wanted the administration to withdraw the resolutions of the academic council held about two weeks back.
The protesting students’ alliance included students from the Northern areas, Kashmir, Punjab and Balochistan. The varsity’s academic council has decided to demand applicants to pass matriculation, intermediate and bachelor examinations from Karachi-based institutions for admissions to bachelor or Masters programmes, it is said.
In the meantime, a meeting of deans was held with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhlaque Ahmad in the chair on Friday. The meeting discussed the unrest among students and some related options and it is likely that a final say would come in a couple of days, said a source privy to the meeting.
It was learnt that the meeting saw a feasibility in doubling up the number of seats reserved for the students from the Northern areas at the varsity. Another suggestion was given that the implementation on the KU council decision should be delayed for the time being.
A source said that a three-member committee formed by the vice-chancellor to look into the grievances of the students from out-stations acquiring education at the varsity and other institutions at Karachi would hold its meeting on Saturday. It is likely that the committee, with Dr Abdul Rashid as convener will also negotiate with the aggrieved students on Saturday.
However, some senior teachers of the varsity were of the view that the KU administration should wait till the time minutes of the KU council meeting in question were approved. They also suggested that the proposed amendments, which have now become controversial, should be placed before the varsity syndicate prior to its inclusion in the varsity admission booklets, in order to give a fair chance of justice to students aspiring admissions to the varsity.
It was further said that varsity should not go for an all in a sudden implementation of the varsity’s council decision and consider the problems of the outstation students.
The students are receiving education in the city for long and any abrupt decision to reduce the opportunities for admissions to the varsity could affect their academic and professional careers as well, said a teacher, adding that the varsity should think about the future of at least those who have shifted to Karachi and studying at different institutions peacefully with the understanding that they were as much entitled as others to acquire education in this city.
