In the serene landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan, a recent upheaval has disrupted the calm as students from the region’s sole public-sector institution, Karakoram International University (KIU), take to the streets to protest exorbitant fee hikes. This unrest unveils a deeper crisis in the region’s educational landscape, often overlooked amidst its natural beauty.
Contrary to popular belief, Gilgit-Baltistan’s claimed literacy rate of over 90% conceals the stark reality of inadequate and underfunded educational facilities. The recent fee hike at KIU brings to light the longstanding struggle of a region that fails to communicate its disparities to the mainland, perpetuating misconceptions.
Established in 2002, KIU shoulders the responsibility of catering to a population of 2.5 million, with only 10,000 students enrolled. The underfunded university, offering limited faculties, lacks medical and engineering institutions, compelling students to migrate for higher studies, incurring substantial financial and emotional costs.
Students at KIU initiated a prolonged sit-in protest against a staggering 135% fee hike since 2020, violating the Higher Education Commission’s policy of a 10% annual increase. The All-Students Alliance demands not only a rollback of fees but also a financial audit, an anti-harassment cell, and the reinstatement of student unions for a democratic campus environment.
Despite a government promise of Rs300 million as a grant, only Rs50 million has been released, leading to a temporary resumption of university activities with no progress on fee reduction. Beyond the immediate fee concerns, the root issue lies in a severe lack of funds, resulting in inadequate infrastructure, outdated resources, and a struggle to attract qualified faculty.
KIU’s meager incentives fail to attract accomplished PhD teachers, jeopardizing the quality of education and perpetuating a cycle of mediocrity. This, in turn, casts a shadow over the region’s educational future, signaling a potential decline in academic standards.
, take to the streets to protest exorbitant fee hikes. This unrest unveils a deeper crisis in the region's educational landscape, often overlooked amidst its natural beauty.){kind=link}