KU imposes social media curbs on students

The University of Karachi has issued its annual code of conduct for students stating that social media accounts of students would be monitored so they should use them responsibly and refrain from posting controversial posts, among other directives.

In a notification issued on Wednesday, the varsity has announced a ban on any student organised activities that are “against the ideology of Islam, Pakistan, national security and integrity”.

According to the notification, to organise any kind of programme on campus, written permission from the relevant chairperson and department would be needed five days prior to the event, while all co-curricular activities would be taken place with the guidance of the departmental student advisers.

Social media activities of students will be monitored and they should be in accordance with ethical norms that do not provoke regional and sectarian divides, the notification states, while also barring students from using abusive language.

Moreover, students have been told not to enter the residential area of the campus and that they have no right to interfere in the varsity’s administrative activities.

The notification issued by KU Student Adviser Dr Syed Asim Ali further states that the sale of gutka, paan and beetlenut is also strictly prohibited on campus and anyone found involved would be dealt with as per the law. There would be no unauthorised use of the varsity’s property allowed, including transport, it adds.

The code of conduct guidelines state that students should respect teachers as well as the non-teaching staff and should cooperate with security officials to ensure discipline “Anti-social activities in the varsity and use of threats and violence are highly prohibited,” the notification said, adding that students should also keep a strict check on external individuals who come to the varsity and get involved in non-academic activities.

Graffiti and putting up posters have also been banned along with carrying weapons, ammunition or explosive material on campus. Students have also been instructed to follow the university rules and regulations, including maintaining at least 75 per cent attendance in classes. If students are found in violation of university code of conduct, they will be dealt in accordance with the university code of conduct and law, the notification states.

Speaking to The News, KU Student Adviser Dr Syed Asim Ali said the university issues code of conduct every year for students, but this year it had decided to make some strict rules to keep students in check.

Some recently-published news reports regarding posts on the social media accounts of KU students have highlighted a worrisome situation. Therefore, we have issued a notification to students to not misuse social media and we will be taking the Federal Investigation Agency’s help in this regard to monitor social media posts as well.

He added that they have made it clear to students to not be involved in anti-Pakistan or anti-Islam activities.