KU choked by protests on exams, fees, funds

KARACHI: Protests erupted at the University of Karachi on Monday as students, teachers and employees staged separate demonstrations over cancelled exams, rising fees and worsening financial and administrative issues at the institution.

Student groups, including Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba and a student alliance, held a rally from Terminal Point to Pharmacy Chowk, accusing the administration of disrupting academic activities through repeated postponements and boycotts of examinations.

Protesters said students were facing mental stress and academic losses despite paying high fees and receiving inadequate facilities.

Meanwhile, teachers, officers and employees continued their protest movement outside the Administration Block, demanding payment of pending dues, including arrears, examination payments and retirement-related benefits.

Demonstrators also criticised what they described as financial mismanagement and administrative inefficiency within the university.

The protesters warned that if their demands were not addressed, the movement would be intensified, including demonstrations during Eid holidays. They also urged Sindh Chief Minister and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to intervene and order transparent inquiries into the university’s financial and administrative affairs.