University of Peshawar Students Protest Gets Serious After Negotiations Fail

After the sit-in was brought to an end in Islamabad, it seems that the trend has shifted towards Peshawar. Students of University of Peshawar (UoP) protested against the increase in fee by demonstrating a dharna in front of Vice Chancellor’s office.

University recently recommended a 10% hike in fee which didn’t go well with the students. The students have made it clear that they will continue to protest until their demands are met.

A female student remarked: “The university increases the tuition by 10 percent every year, this is not affordable for all especially the students from middle-class.”

Students’ Demands

Seeing the golden opportunity, students added few more demands to the list. Their updated list of demands includes;

• Cancellation of fee hike notification
• Hostel accommodation to the students
• Scholarships and financial assistance
• Restoration of grants for research programs in Masters and PhD
• Security for hostels and departments
• Students election to be allowed
• Restoration of discontinued MA and BA programs that were replaced by MS and BS
• Inquiry regarding the irregularities in government provided funds for students

Both, male and female, students of UoP were present in the protest and refused to take classes. The protesting students held banners in their hands that displayed their demands.

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University’s Response

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asif Khan attempted to negotiate with students in a meeting. The negotiations, however, didn’t come to a conclusion as students continued their sit-in.

Sources say that university officials have ensured that all of students’ demands will be accepted except one. The university administration is refusing to accept the demand of reversing 10% increase in fees.

A board meeting of university will be held on 7th December and students have asked to reverse the fee increase decision by then.