Karachi: A seminar was organized by National Organization for Working Communities entitled “How violence impacts on Education in Karachi”.
Addressing the seminar, Dr. Jaffer Ahmed,Professor at Department of Islamic Studies, University of Karachi, said that nowadays there is a sudden increase in violent incidents in Karachi and agreed that the brotherhood situation is no more as this was supposed to be in 1970’s.
He while sharing his experience said that in 1982 first time pistol came in the hand of a student which was wrapped in a paper bag but unfortunately nowadays whole nation is facing the same consequences.
He was of the view that the violence is more in public universities as compare to private universities. “Civil societies must come at forefront” he added.
He also said that there is a clear division of values among upper and lower class that is why people have been fragmented.
Waheed, representative of Bright Educational Society in Orangi Town, said that the violence at Kati Pahari started from 15th July, 2011 and now it has been penetrated at every level that includes primary, secondary, higher secondary and even colleges and universities are not safe.
He further said that 30,000 children have not been to school and they are compelled to stay at home due to uncertain situation prevailing in their areas. He also said that in Orangi Town on August 21 two dead bodies of college students have been recovered.
He further said that since last three years especially in Orangi Town 7000 community schools have been closed. Previously it was due to resource constraint and inaccessibility of teachers to these schools but now the ratio of violence has severely affected these educational institutes.
He surprisingly added that students who used to take lessons of justice from the schools now they are practicing how to load pistols. He pointed out that it is the responsibility of government to provide education to the citizens
Mehnaz Rahman, the Resident Director of Aurat Foundation, while recalling her golden days at the campus in KU said that teacher and students both used to organize several healthy extra curricular activities which are not being practiced nowadays.
She said that we have done a survey in which we have asked the students that what is meant to be a Pakistani. Most of the children replied that it means Muslim.
“Students are not being properly trained in educational institutes”, she added.
She further said that students should be taught creativity, tolerance and brotherhood and it needs to be understood that every citizen is equal in the eyes of Islam. She believed that it is high time that teachers should take positive steps towards nation building.
A spokesperson from National Students Federation, said that in private universities extracurricular activities are being organized so that students gets a platform where they can participate and share their views. She has also added that the current curriculum should be promoted through social media websites and conferences.
Dr Touseef Ahmed, Professor at Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science & Technology (FUUAST) said that the present situation of violence has just not confined to campus it has been interconnected from campus to home and vice versa.
It is the downfall of education in every institute either it is Karachi university, Dow University, Urdu Science or any other institute.
Yasmin Nighar, a school owner said that I used to request parents to send their children to school for education. I have opened schools named as “Britannica” in Surjani and its’ another campus in Gulistan-e Juhar where students from under privilege society come for getting education. “I just charge Rs. 50 from each student”, added she
She demanded of the government representative to support her in her noble cause.
Ilahi Buksh Soomro, SPO Karachi, said that he is also a resident of Layari where every now and then rocket launcher have been fired and dead bodies are found in gunny bags.
He recalled his days of University when students used to organize healthy activities like book fairs, student weeks and much more.
He pointed out that we do not take initiatives also we all feel hesitant to express over pure opinion. He has also accepted that the greater damage has been done by the so called educated class.
Hina Maryam, a student of Karachi University also recalled her own experience while she was taking class in Dept of Public Administration in Oct 11, 2009 suddenly she heard noise in parking lot and two students first passed heated arguments later one student opened fire on other and then one student out of them fell on ground. Edhi Ambulance had been called but unfortunately student got died on the spot.
She has also added that later students pick up stones and broke down wind screens of all the cars that were present in the parking lot. She sorrowfully said that it was a pitiful situation that where were the rangers during that incident.
“It is really thought provoking that students feel afraid to go university which is supposed to be the educational institute”, added she.
She has further added that after this incident university had been closed for three days now her question was what is the future of the students whose aim is to get education and they go to university for building their future.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription