Affordability crisis

The issue of increasing university fees is a complex and multifaceted challenge that affects students, families, and societies as a whole. The financial burden of higher fees can perpetuate social inequality and hinder social mobility. Last October, students at Karachi University staged protests against a sudden and significant tuition fee hike This increase sparked widespread concern among students, who argued that it would prevent many from continuing their studies, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds.

While the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has been working to improve the higher education system, affordability remains a major challenge. While the HEC promotes scholarships and financial aid programmes to support students, more must be done to address the root causes of the problem. Ultimately, the Pakistani government and university administrations must collaborate to find solutions that balance financial sustainability with the need to make higher education accessible and affordable for all students.

Suhail Ahmed Kori

Larkana