57pc hike in BS programme fees rejected

CHITRAL: Rejecting the 57 percent hike in BS programme fees, the representatives of students on Tuesday threatened to launch a protest movement if the decision was not withdrawn by May 10.

Addressing a press conference at the Chitral Press Club, representatives of students from Lower and Upper Chitral, including Khwaja Aftabuddin, Arian Ali, Burhanuddin and others, said the sudden and unjustified increase in fees had raised concerns among the parents.

They said the University of Chitral had announced the increase in the fees without the approval of the syndicate and other forums.“Many students are considering quitting education as their parents can’t afford such a huge fee,” said Aftabuddin, adding the rulers were creating problems for the people instead of facilitating them.

He said the children of the less privileged class had been getting education in government-run colleges. “And now the doors of the government-run colleges have been closed for them,” he went on to add.

The speakers said the students from Drosh in Lower Chitral and Booni in Upper Chitral had been affected by the unjust increase in college fees. They appealed to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor and chief minister to take note of the situation.

Earlier, the students staged a rally which culminated outside the press club after passing through various roads.Speaking on the occasion, former MNA Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali and social activist Inayatullah Aseer urged the government to review the decision.“This cruel decision is unacceptable. Several students, including girls, will have no other option but to quit their education as their parents can’t pay such a huge fee,” said the ex-MNA.