KARACHI, Jan 17: The future of about 60 students is hanging in the balance reportedly due to the persistent closure of the College of Medical Technology at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre since August 2007.

The college, along with the College of Physiotherapy, was closed in August following violent clashes between two student groups at the JPMC. The situation further deteriorated when the college principal, Dr Mubashir Ahmed Shaikh, was murdered at a clinic in Manzoor Colony, Jamshed Town, in Sept 2007.

Despite a passage of over five months, no decision has been taken by the college administration with regard to the reopening of the institution.

According to the affected students, they had been assured by the JPMC director, deputy director and the vice-principal in various meetings that the college would soon be reopened but to no avail.

“The college has been closed for five months and there is no official word from the administration about its future. Due to this uncertain situation, some students have withdrawn their admissions so as to pursue their studies at other institutions,” said Ahmed Ali, a first year student at the college.

Affiliated with the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi, the college has about 60 students in total; a batch of 30 students is enrolled for a two-year course. The college, established in 2003, was functioning under Dr Mubashir Ahmed Shaikh till his assassination. In the current highly politicized environment, teachers and other employees are reportedly very much concerned about their safety. However, they said that they would not oppose the administration, if it decided to resume academic activities at the college.

Principal Prof Dr Syed Owais Ahmed said that the administration would soon take a decision in this regard while correspondence was under way with the BIEK to give a new examination date for final year students.

“Our first priority is give exams to final year students who have completed their studies,” he said.