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DMC, SMC hostel evacuation leaves int'l students homeless
KARACHI, Aug 18: The Dow University of Health Science (DUHS) and the Sindh Medical
College (SMC) students, including international ones, residing in hostels were
forced to leave after a 24-hour notice, following a deadly clash between two
political student wings.
Muhammad Kamrizzaman Khan, a third-year MBBS
student from Bangladesh, said he had nowhere to go on such a short notice "Don't
the authorities know how difficult it is for foreigners to live outside in the
city," he said. "I am a bachelor and renting a flat would be tougher than
discovering America for us."
Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai Boys Hostel of SMC
also received the same orders on August 16. A few international students were
found there after the notification. The camp office of Pakistan Rangers has been
set up inside the hostel's premises. The wing commander has, however, given the
70 international students two more days to leave.
DUHS Vice Chancellor
Masood Hamid Khan said this was a short-term difficulty. "They have to
understand that all these steps are being taken for their own safety and the
problem will be resolved soon," he added.
The DUHS VC said the order of
evacuation was a precautionary measure to prevent further violence. "This step
is necessary to de-politicize the entire educational institution, including the
hostel," he said. The university has been closed till Monday but the hostel will
be sealed for an unknown period.
"All students will have to leave the
hostel immediately," he said. "We have ordered to use force against violators,"
he added.
A group of law-enforcement personnel headed by the warden of
Waris Shah Hostel (DMC) Farhat Hussain Mirza sealed all the rooms of the hostel
along with its adjourning doctors' hostel. Students tried to protest but later
left the place with their belongings.
"It seems as if our hostel is also
going to be like the University of Karachi hostels," a student said.
He felt the students were scared of the way the evacuation order was received
within such a short period. No student managed to contact the higher officials
despite repeated efforts.
Mirza assured these students of a quick return
and safe custody of their belongings. "We will seal the rooms and the hostel's
main gate until the next order is received," he said. "Leftover furniture and
stuff will be in safe custody," he added.
The administration has
informed the embassies and consulates of these students about the notification.
All international students are to contact their consulates as all future
communication will be conducted through them. Daily times
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