Students Protest Fee Hikes at Karakoram International University in Gilgit-Baltistan
Students from Karakoram International University in the Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan region held protests against fee hikes and administrative mismanagement. They boycotted classes and chanted slogans in support of their demands, gathering in front of the PoGB Press Club.
A protestor mentioned that the administration had assured them of a gradual fee reduction, but fees were increased again. Last year, an agreement was signed promising a 15% reduction in fees, but this year, fees have suddenly increased by around 20 to 25%, leading to the protests. The protestor also noted that officers who supported them were expelled.
Another student reported police brutality when they raised their concerns. The student claimed that the university called the police, who then grabbed them by the collar. The student accused the university of corruption and warned of a strong response if the situation continues.
Despite global efforts to advance education, the region under Pakistan’s control faces numerous obstacles, including budget cuts for higher education and irregular funding from the Higher Education Commission for Karakoram University. Students from remote areas, hoping to pursue higher education, are encountering unexpected challenges. There appears to be a deliberate effort to undermine education in Gilgit-Baltistan, suggesting that Pakistan is wary of an educated populace challenging its authority.
Another student emphasized that the people of PoGB are starting their own businesses, which helps the economy. However, despite this progress, the cost of essential services, including education, has increased. Although campuses have been established in Hunza and Diamer to promote education, these institutions face persistent challenges such as internal strife, ineptitude, poor administration, and corruption.
Doubts Revealed
Karakoram International University -: Karakoram International University is a school in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in Pakistan. It’s named after the Karakoram mountain range.
Gilgit-Baltistan -: Gilgit-Baltistan is a region in the northern part of Pakistan. It’s known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
fee hikes -: Fee hikes mean that the cost of going to school has increased. Students have to pay more money to attend classes.
administrative mismanagement -: Administrative mismanagement means that the people running the school are not doing a good job. They might be making mistakes or not handling things properly.
PoGB Press Club -: PoGB Press Club is a place where journalists and reporters gather. PoGB stands for Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan.
police brutality -: Police brutality means that the police are using too much force or being violent towards people. It’s not fair or right.
corruption -: Corruption means that people in power are doing dishonest or illegal things, like taking money that doesn’t belong to them.
budget cuts -: Budget cuts mean that there is less money available for things like schools. This can make it harder for students to get a good education.
irregular funding -: Irregular funding means that the money for the school doesn’t come regularly. Sometimes there is money, and sometimes there isn’t, which makes planning difficult.
