Initiating punitive measures against students protesting the fee increase at Karakoram International University, Gilgit (KIU) is a violation of law. Students at universities worldwide, including those in Pakistan, engage in peaceful demonstrations to press for their rightful demands. Students have the right to protest against fee increase in a peaceful manner, abstaining from vandalism. By doing this hey are exercising their constitutional and human rights as per the Article 16 of the Pakistan Constitution.
It is indeed puzzling why, instead of addressing students’ concerns, the university management appears to impose punitive measures on them. While it is undeniable that the university administration is facing financial crisis. However, this should not translate into an unjust distribution of the financial burden solely onto the students. Furthermore, it should never lead to the suppression student voices against such injustices. Such punitive measures do no resonate with the expected conduct of a university.
The Vice-Chancellor of Karakoram International University has met the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan and the Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan in an effort to address the financial crisis facing KIU. There is an expectation that the government will provide support to the university in resolving this matter.
The university administration should immediately reverse the actions taken against the students and refrain from depriving the students of their fundamental human rights, such as the right to education.
There are reports suggesting that Police has arrested Tajammul Marhoom, a graduate student leader and social activist, on allegations of inciting students and expressing his objections about the Vice-Chancellor’s policies. Such an action on behalf of the administration is complete unfair and unjust. We strongly demand Tajammul’s immediate release.
It is an irony that student unions are banned in universities in Pakistan. Instead of promoting a culture of open dialogue and constructive problem-solving, this ban has pushed students towards extremism. It is high time, given the current circumstances, to reconsider and lift the ban on student unions, thereby providing students with a democratic platform to address their legitimate concerns through meaningful discussions in the relevant forums.
