ACCORDING to the prospectus of the University of Karachi, “As per approval of the Academic Council, admissions to Bachelor’s and Master’s Programmes in Karachi University are granted according to merit under categories K (Karachi), S (Sindh) and P (Pakistan). Preference in admission is given to “K” category candidates. If seats are left vacant, “S” category candidates are considered. If seats are still available, then consideration is given to “P” category candidates”.

Many socio-political parties, organisations and groups have continuously criticised this policy, saying that it is not only against the Act of the University but also against the constitution of Pakistan.

Section 6 of the University of Karachi Act 1972 says: “The University shall be open to all persons of either sex and of whatever religion, race, creed, class or colour and no person shall be denied the privileges of the University on the grounds of religion, race, caste, creed, class or colour.”

Similarly, Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 says: “No citizen shall be denied admission to any educational institution receiving aid from public revenue on the grounds only of race, religion, caste or place of birth.”

Owing to public criticism and demand, the Government of Sindh amended the University of Karachi Act 1972 in 2013 under “Sindh Universities Laws (Amendment) Act 2013”. Its second section reads as follows: “After section 6, section 6-A shall be inserted. The policy of admission of the University in general, including its constituent colleges, institutes and centres, shall be followed as determined by the Government from time to time in order to provide equal opportunities to all the students of Province of Sindh.”

Two years have passed since the enactment of the above amendment but neither the government of Sindh nor the Academic Council of the University of Karachi has made any changes in the existing policy.

This old policy is ultra vires of the very Act of the University and also to the constitution of Pakistan. It needs to be abolished immediately.

Dr Azhar Ali Shah

Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2016