I HAVE graduated from the Government Sadiq College Women University Baha- walpur in English, and secured a grade point average (GPA) of 3.53, which is not bad by any yardstick. I wanted to continue my education and to take admission in the MPhil in English programme from Islamia University, Bahawalpur, but, to my utter shock, the semester fee for the programme is Rs87,545.

Is it possible for any middle-class student to pursue his/her education dream by paying such an amount? The government should pay attention to the education system as the education of youth is its responsibility.

Instead of distributing laptops and motorbikes among a few selected students, there must be fee rationalisation that will benefit all the students across the country. In essence, the scholarships should not be meant for a few students, but for every deserving student so that no one feels being left out.

Being a student, who is always unable to receive any financial aid, I can relate to the stress that affects the life of those pursuing higher education.

The universities should also provide relief in their fee structure. In this era of inflation and poverty, students from middle or lower classes always wonder if they should continue their education. Getting education is everyone’s right. The government cannot, and should not, snatch this basic right from the underprivileged.

Areej Younis
Fort Abbas

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2024