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Federal Urdu University Karachi has recently announced a significant 50% increase in its fee structure, as reported by 24NewsHD TV channel. The acting vice chancellor of the university, Prof Ziauddin, addressed a press conference to explain the rationale behind this decision. He highlighted that the institution had been compelled to restructure the fees due to the university’s limited resources and the prevailing inflationary circumstances.
Prof Ziauddin mentioned that the university had sought an increase in the grant from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), but unfortunately, their appeals were unsuccessful as the HEC authorities declined to provide additional funding. Consequently, an academic council meeting was convened on August 2, during which a unanimous decision was reached to implement a 50% fee hike. This increase also includes the initial 10% rise that occurs at the start of the academic year.
The vice chancellor emphasized that despite facing financial challenges in 2018, 2019, and 2020, the university refrained from raising the fees. He noted that the financial constraints were not unique to their institution and that all universities were grappling with similar issues in light of the country’s current economic situation.
Prof Ziauddin revealed that efforts were made to secure grants from the Sindh government, which financially supports universities in the region. However, as a federal university, the institution only receives grants from the HEC and not from the provincial government.
In response to the fee hike, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has taken notice of the matter. A student named Muzzamil filed a case against the 50% fee increase in the Law Department of the Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology (FUUAST). The petitioner argued that the increase goes against the legal provision that allows a maximum 10% annual fee increment and that the substantial rise was implemented based on verbal orders.
The student further highlighted that the revised fee structure across various departments has caused difficulties for the student body. The SHC has initiated proceedings and served notices to relevant parties in response to the case.
In a related development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) recently ruled against fee hikes during ongoing study programs in private medical colleges, deeming them illegal. The decision, announced by Justice Shahid Jameel, directed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to ensure that fees are collected from students as per the amounts set during their enrollment in respective programs. This decision comes as part of a broader judicial effort to regulate and address issues related to escalating fees in educational institutions.
