Karachi Metropolitan University lacks student transport system

The Karachi Metropolitan University (KMU), previously known as the Karachi Medical & Dental College, has announced a significant increase in the bus fares, while the student transport system remains entirely suspended.

Students are currently facing challenges in their commute due to the inactivity of the previously operational point bus service. The university is not meeting even the most fundamental facility requirements despite imposing the significant transportation fees.

The situation deteriorated further with the termination of the shuttle service to and from the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, resulting in the KMU being the sole public university in Karachi lacking its own student transport.

This has occurred in the light of a significant increase in the bus fares, which have been raised from Rs20,000 to Rs40,000 (a 100 per cent hike). The university currently maintains a fleet of eight buses, majority of which are reportedly deteriorating due to a lack of use.

The challenges continue to persist. Following its attainment of university status in December 2023, the KMU implemented an increase in fees across all programmes. The tuition fees for MBBS and BDS were increased significantly by 165 per cent, with additional charges imposed on the students.

Admission fees for open-merit students were increased from Rs20,000 to Rs50,000, reflecting a hike of 150 per cent. Moreover, the fees for merit seats were raised from Rs115,000 to Rs268,000, marking an increase of 133 per cent.

Students who are self-financing are facing significant challenges, as fees were increased from Rs651,500 to an alarming Rs1.421 million, showing a hike of 118 per cent.

Essential fees have seen significant increases, with the library fees being raised from Rs3,500 to Rs10,000, marking an increase of 186 per cent. Transport fees were raised from Rs20,000 to Rs36,000, an 80 per cent hike. Additionally, the IT fees were doubled from Rs5,000 to Rs10,000.

Upon inquiring about the frustrating interruption in transport services despite the increased fees, Dr Mahmood, the KMU registrar serving on a deputation basis, said the bus service had been suspended due to insufficient funds.

Encouraging additional questions, he postponed an in-depth discussion for an in-person meeting. Students and their parents remain unclear about the reasons behind the high fees they are being charged without the expected services being delivered. They are demanding complete transparency and a prompt resolution to the transport crisis. The university administration is facing significant scrutiny due to the claims of mismanagement and insufficient accountability. It has become increasingly prevalent for individuals in significant positions to avoid accountability in public welfare matters by asserting that they have only recently taken on their responsibilities.