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Students of college in JPMC irked by closure
Karachi, Jan 18, 2008: The future of about 60 students is hanging in the
balance reportedly due to the persistent closure of the College of Medical
Technology at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre since August
2007.
The college, along with the College of Physiotherapy, was closed in
August following violent clashes between two student groups at the JPMC. The
situation further deteriorated when the college principal, Dr Mubashir Ahmed
Shaikh, was murdered at a clinic in Manzoor Colony, Jamshed Town, in Sept
2007.
Despite a passage of over five months, no decision has been taken
by the college administration with regard to the reopening of the
institution.
According to the affected students, they had been assured by
the JPMC director, deputy director and the vice-principal in various meetings
that the college would soon be reopened but to no avail.
"The college has
been closed for five months and there is no official word from the
administration about its future. Due to this uncertain situation, some students
have withdrawn their admissions so as to pursue their studies at other
institutions," said Ahmed Ali, a first year student at the
college.
Affiliated with the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi, the
college has about 60 students in total; a batch of 30 students is enrolled for a
two-year course. The college, established in 2003, was functioning under Dr
Mubashir Ahmed Shaikh till his assassination. In the current highly politicized
environment, teachers and other employees are reportedly very much concerned
about their safety. However, they said that they would not oppose the
administration, if it decided to resume academic activities at the
college.
Principal Prof Dr Syed Owais Ahmed said that the administration
would soon take a decision in this regard while correspondence was under way
with the BIEK to give a new examination date for final year
students.
"Our first priority is give exams to final year students who
have completed their studies," he said. Dawn
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