Gilgit: The Karakoram International University (KIU) students staged a protest rally in Ali Abaad Hunza against the decision of closure of three campuses over financial crises.
The KIU Students accompanied by local political leaders, carrying banners and placards inscribed with their slogans walked across the Ali Abad bazaar and later the rally turned into a gathering where AWP GB president, Baba Jan, PML-N leader Irfan Karim, Zahoor Elahi, and others addressed.
Karakoram University faced budget cuts for higher education, irregular funding of the Higher Education Commission for Karakoram University, and prolonged absences of vice-chancellors leading to stagnant decisions. Students demanded a fair investigation of the case and serious action against VC for the failure to manage the institute.
The protestors blocked the Karakoram highway at Chilas for traffic causing inconvenience for locals, and tourists. Karakoram University Diamer campus is the only institute in the area for higher education.
A protesting student at the Hunza Campus said,
“The decision to close the campus has been made, but we strongly oppose and condemn it because it will negatively affect us. We refuse to accept this decision and will make every effort to overturn it. Our academic pursuits are not yet finished, and this decision will have detrimental consequences for us”.
Another student said,
“It is unjust to have our degrees taken away midway through our courses. Moreover, we have heard that there is a proposed 25% increase in fees. The peole here are not affluent enough to accept such decision. Who will be accountable for their future? We urge the Higher Education Commision to reconsider its decision. It is unfair to force students and faculty members onto the streets.”
Students also demanded four more departments in Diamer Campus to ensure education standard according to the contemporary needs.
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