UNIVERSITIES are considered to be the hub of knowledge churning out such qualified graduates that contribute to the forward march of the society but in our country, unfortunately, these institutions of higher education are doing quite the opposite and rather are turning into centre of violence.
A clash between two groups at the International Islamic University the other day that left one student dead and scores of others injured speaks volume of the dilapidated condition of our educational institutions. Such incidents of violence are also quite common at Quaid-e-Azam and Punjab Universities which is greatly affecting the education of the students. In the wake of any violent incident, the police arrest the trouble makers but in our view the issue is too complex that needs to be tackled seriously. By filing FIRs and expelling students, nothing can be accomplished. Such uptick in campus violence exposes the fact that the university administration has no control whatsoever to maintain discipline in the precincts of institutions. This recent violence both at International Islamic University and Quaid-e-Azam University has come at a time when the government is considering lifting ban on the students unions. We support the revival of these unions as these are rightly regarded as the political nurseries to a democratic system and provide the future leaders. But one should not ignore the fact that in the past political parties used these students’ unions for their vested interests. Therefore, before taking any decision on their revival, the federal government must put in place such a system in the colleges and universities that ensures discipline so that the academic activities are not disrupted as has been seen recently in the violent clashes between student groups. A common platform of peace and tranquillity can be attained by sitting with students over seminars, symposiums in consultation with management of the universities. Apart from dealing with violent incidents in real time, it is also important to promote extra-curricular activities at the college and university levels to reinforce positive behaviour amongst the students. Then, appointments at the universities should be made purely on merit whilst rising above any political consideration in order to achieve the dream of knowledge-based economy.
