ISLAMABAD: Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) has officially suspended its summer semester for 2025. The decision was made unanimously during a meeting attended by the university’s deans, department chairs and directors.

The move comes in the wake of prolonged campus protests and a worsening financial crisis, making it impossible to conduct a credible academic session, said a press release.

The university cited a severe shortage of time caused by over six weeks of disruptions led by “illegal ethnic councils” declared unlawful under the law of Pakistan as the main reason behind the suspension, the meeting observed.

“With fewer than five weeks left, it is simply not feasible to hold a meaningful and academically sound semester,” it added.

With fewer than five weeks left, it is simply not feasible to hold a meaningful and academically sound semester, says statement

In lieu of the summer session, QAU has announced a summer break from July 9 to August 31. Students were instructed to vacate hostels by July 13. The administration expressed deep concern over the deteriorating academic environment, declining admissions and the rising influence of unauthorised student groups.

Acting Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, said: “Legally, a summer semester requires 6 to 8 weeks. With results expected in the third week of July, how can we justify violating the law just to accommodate those who have failed?”

Dr Jaspal noted that the six-week shutdown earlier this year - sparked by disruptive, illegal protests - severely affected coursework, registrations, and student learning. “Running hostels alone during this period would cost us nearly PKR 44 million per month. The financial strain is untenable.”

President of the Academic Staff Association (ASF) Dr Mazhar Iqbal endorsed the decision, calling it “necessary to realign the academic calendar and restore some order.” He added: “The spring semester was already delayed. Skipping the summer term gives us time for essential hostel maintenance and to prepare properly for the fall semester.”

Dr Iqbal criticised lax enforcement of academic rules, adding students were allowed to sit exams without fulfilling attendance or fee requirements.

“There’s no implementation of UDC decisions, unchecked entry and exit points, and a growing number of theft incidents in hostels and faculty housing.”

He also highlighted the dire financial state of the university. “Electricity bills from 180 hostel air-conditioners running 24/7 during vacations, lack of research funds, unpaid salaries and pending retirement benefits for 127 former employees have pushed QAU to the brink.”

According to a provost’s report, the university faces a monthly hostel service deficit of over Rs44 million during the semester, and Rs64 million during holidays, resulting in an annual loss exceeding Rs572 million.

Dr Jaspal condemned repeated disruptions by certain student groups, including the loud playing of music during academic hours, which he said hampers the learning environment.

“In just two years, QAU has faced five closures. Such instability is driving away serious students and damaging our institutional reputation.”

Both Dr Jaspal and Dr Iqbal emphasised the urgent need for institutional reforms.

“We must enforce discipline, conduct a full audit and possibly outsource hostel and transport services,” Dr Iqbal recommended.

He also called for stricter checks on student-faculty ratios and campus entry protocols.

“The future of QAU depends on our collective will to stand for academic integrity, fiscal responsibility and the rule of law,” Dr Jaspal asserted.

Published in Dawn, July 15th, 2025