As education sector of Pakistan still reels from the devastating effects of Covid-19, the current economic imbalance and fiscal crisis have aggravated its misery. The instability has gravely impacted students and their education. Precisely, exorbitant tuition fees, failure in ensuring quality learning, and dwindling facilities are some significant impacts. If these three are to be seen collectively, there is no relevant example than the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (SZABUL), Karachi.
It is highly condemnable that an institution that takes pride in being the first ever university of law in Pakistan has increased tuition fee amid this difficult time of inflation. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law (SZABUL), Karachi comes under the government sector. It is home to mostly low and middle-class students who hail from distant areas of the province. Moreover, a number of students avail themselves of scholarships offered by the government.
It is unfortunate that the students of SZABUL remain deprived of basic facilities despite studying in a government-funded university. Although the university is still in its nascent years, yet lack of some basic provisions have caused numerous problems for its students.
Firstly, the building of the university is unfit for students and not up to the mark of being called a university. It greatly lacks in s pace. It hinders students to carry out extra-curricular activities. It is sad that despite incessant pledges over the years, the education activities are yet to be shifted to the newly made campus in Korangi. Besides, it is appalling that the university has continuously enrolled hundreds of students in newly created BBA and Criminology departments despite dearth of class rooms and space in the university. In the end, it is the students that are bearing the brunt of these reckless moves.
Secondly, the management and administration of the university is abysmal and sluggish. It is hapless that the first ever batch of law department is yet to receive final passing out certificates- degrees. Moreover, graduated students are deliberately forced to visit the university every few days to complete their final requirements to acquire the degree. Meanwhile, those who are yet to pass one or two or more subjects are deprived of summer classes and are made to wait for whole year Even those who are juniors are asked to visit one room from another just for a mere transcription certificate. Moreover, students have to face grave problems when they are asked to provide verified fee-paid slip for umpteenth
time. Unfortunately, digitalization of these important documents has yet to be seen. Such a hand in the sand attitude of the administration leaves students of the university in grief.
Adding insult to injury, the administration has hiked the tuition fee by 33pc amid this inflation-ridden time. The university comprises of majority of middle class students who would find it difficult to pay once the next semester starts. Moreover, the university also does not provide hostel accommodation to them. Hence, the students live by their own in flats in nearby places on exorbitant rent
Lastly, dip in quality of education and meritocracy is also conspicuous today more than ever. During the initial years, faculty was found to be qualified enough that lived up to the requirement of minimum education for the field of law. However, many veterans who used to teach in the university have left over the years. This is not to imply that incumbent faculty is bad; rather it is about the form of quality that has been compromised and reduced.
While many would argue that considering the university as nascent it is pointless to discuss upon its performance. However, it is about the pitfalls that need to be highlighted so that timely action is taken. While it is primary responsibility of the university management to address these existing loopholes, it is also duty of the students to ensure that any misunderstanding is not created between the management and them while they seek for their basic amenities. Certainly with hard work and consistent efforts, the students are bound to get what they deserve.
time. Unfortunately, digitalization of these important documents has yet to be seen. Such a hand in the sand attitude of the administration leaves students of the university in grief.
Adding insult to injury, the administration has hiked the tuition fee by 33pc amid this inflation-ridden time. The university comprises of majority of middle class students who would find it difficult to pay once the next semester starts. Moreover, the university also does not provide hostel accommodation to them. Hence, the students live by their own in flats in nearby places on exorbitant rent
Lastly, dip in quality of education and meritocracy is also conspicuous today more than ever. During the initial years, faculty was found to be qualified enough that lived up to the requirement of minimum education for the field of law. However, many veterans who used to teach in the university have left over the years. This is not to imply that incumbent faculty is bad; rather it is about the form of quality that has been compromised and reduced.
While many would argue that considering the university as nascent it is pointless to discuss upon its performance. However, it is about the pitfalls that need to be highlighted so that timely action is taken. While it is primary responsibility of the university management to address these existing loopholes, it is also duty of the students to ensure that any misunderstanding is not created between the management and them while they seek for their basic amenities. Certainly with hard work and consistent efforts, the students are bound to get what they deserve.
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