KU students' multi-demand protest including fee hikes, poor facilities enters 7th day
1. Students say they will continue to protest until administration heeds their demands
KARACHI: The student-led protest at the University of Karachi has entered its seventh day, following unproductive negotiations between the university administration and the protesters.
Operating under the banner of the 'Student Organisations' Alliance, the students are demonstrating against the university's decision to impose a 50% late fee, as well as expressing concerns over inadequate transportation services and poor infrastructure.
The protesters have stated they will not relent until Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khaliq Iraqui addresses their demands. University officials contacted by Geo.tv either declined to comment or were unavailable.
"The infrastructure needs urgent improvement. We cannot attend classes, let alone learn in them," said Bassam Naeem, a spokesperson for the Student Alliance.
Naeem noted that a student delegation met with the vice-chancellor, but he rejected most of their demands. "He accepted only one or two of our requests, which is why we continue to protest."
The students are gathered in front of the main administration block, the university's hub where key offices, including that of the vice-chancellor, are located.
Most canteens are closed, and classes are not being held in many departments.
A teacher, who spoke to Geo.tv on the condition of anonymity, reported that student attendance has dropped as many are either discouraged from attending by their friends or are fearful due to the university's closure.
### The Demands
- Reversal of the 50% increase in late fees.
- Immediate withdrawal of the recent 120% hike in examination fees.
- Abolition of the Rs5,000 re-admission fee.
- Opposition to the implementation of a 'business model' at Karachi University.
- Revocation of the notification stating that students unable to pay fees will not be allowed to sit for exams.
- Discontinuation of the Rs1,500 charge under the "not eligible" category.
- Rollback of the 200% increase in degree fees.
- Addressing the dilapidated condition of the university's buses.
- Improvement of campus security.
