SU students continue protest against fee hike

Students of Sindh University on continued their protest for the third day against a hike in fees by the varsity administration.

The Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, who visited the varsity's Jamshoro campus on Thursday to address a conference, tried to convince the protesting students, who surrounded the entrance of the hall where the event was taking place.

However, his assertions to justify the 30% increase were met by critical questions and allegations of of his party's Sindh government failing to fund the higher education institutions. "The fee of Rs18,000 per year amounts to only Rs1,500 per month," said Khuhro while talking to the protesters.

One of the students interrupted him by reminding that the provincial government is responsible for meeting 70% required funds of the higher education institutions in the province after the 18th Constitutional amendment. "But [prime minister] Imran Khan is sitting on that Amendment," retorted Khuhro, implying that Khan was an impediment in the implementation of the amendment.

However, a female student interrupted him saying that the centre has nothing to do with the funding of the universities. "70% is your responsibility," she emphasised.

Sensing the growing pressure of the students' protests, Khuhro announced that instead of 30%, only 15% fee will be increased. Another student asked why only the students selected on merit are being offered the concession but not those who were enrolled on the self-finance.

The Sindh Shagird Tehreek, one of the groups taking part in the protest, rejected Khuhro's offer. Atif Mallah, an office-bearer of the Tehreek.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25th, 2021.