ISLAMABAD, Oct 2: The management of National University of Modern Languages (Numl) has introduced a formal dress code for students.

On the other hand, students complained that the university was enforcing a dress code which curbed the liberty enjoyed by students of any university.

R.K., a student, said the security staff of the university had prevented entry of students wearing chappals, t-Shirts and skin-tight jeans 15 days ago, saying that the management had instructed them to do so.

“We are already irritated by the attitude of the management which bars entry to the premises if a student forgets to carry his student card. I cannot understand whether this is an educational institute or some sensitive laboratory,” he said.

Another student, A.N., while talking to Dawn said Pakhtoon brothers, who have a culture of wearing shalwar kameez and chappals, had no choice but to wear formal dress and boots.

“The management says that every student should wear trousers and boots. There are students of graduation, masters and other courses coming from diverse cultures, and they should not be forced to follow the management’s choice,” he said.

The director of student affairs Numl, Taj Muhammad, said there should be a dress code in all universities.

“Students used to wear chappals, T-Shirts and skinny jeans which gave foreigners visiting the university a bad impression,” he said.

“Similarly students living in the hostel used to wear Bermudas while going to the gym. I have instructed them to wear this dress in the gym only.”

“An affidavit is taken from every student to follow the rules. They should follow the code because it will make them more disciplined,” he added.

A faculty member of the university, requesting anonymity, said “The move seems strange because Bahria and other universities, run by armed forces, do not enforce such restrictions.”

Centre for Civic Education Executive Director Zafarullah Khan said students should wear any dress they choose since strict environment affects the process of education.

Similarly, the vice chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Masoom Yasinzai, said students should be allowed to wear casual dress because they have to study at odd hours, sometimes till late night.