RECENTLY I had an opportunity to apply for MS/PhD programme at one of the most prestigious universities in Karachi. The subject I and some 60 other students were applying for is offered only by that particular university in Karachi.

I appeared for the test. The result was announced and I was left with a bundle of questions. Why is it that such a prominent university selected only three students out of 61? Why is it that three students selected were the university’s own graduates?

How is it possible for five gold medallists from other universities to ‘apparently’ have failed the test? Why did the university feel the need to advertise the admissions if it prefers its own students? Was it another money-making racket? Most importantly, where are those remaining 58 students supposed to apply for further studies?

The reason Pakistan is being drained of brain power is because our universities are not open to our youth. I, along with 57 other students, have been deprived of the right to our choice of higher education. Will the authorities concerned please stand up?

HIRA MALIK Karachi