Students at Karachi University (KU) took to the campus in protest against the recent decision by the academic council to implement a substantial 30% increase in tuition fees. Led by activists from the Peoples Students Federation, the demonstrators voiced their discontent, labeling the move as highly unjust and urging the administration to retract the decision immediately.
The protest, marked by chants and slogans against the fee hike, included the blockage of bus passages for several hours, symbolizing the students’ strong opposition to the decision. The discontent among students stems from the perceived lack of corresponding improvements in facilities and infrastructure at the university, making the fee hike appear unwarranted.
The Karachi University academic council, in a meeting held on October 17 under the chairmanship of Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, approved the significant increase in student fees, set to take effect in the upcoming academic year. The decision, reportedly made without any noted dissent during the meeting, has been described as unprecedented, considering the challenges and limitations students face in terms of facilities and infrastructure.
The move has sparked concerns about the affordability of higher education, with students expressing frustration over the perceived disconnect between the fee hike and the quality of services and amenities provided by the institution. As the student activism gains momentum, the focus remains on the administration’s response and whether any reconsideration of the fee hike will be undertaken in light of the protests.
