KARACHI: A high-level meeting convened to resolve issues surrounding the Associate Degree Program (ADP) ended in a stalemate on Wednesday, as government college principals staged a walkout over fundamental disagreements with the University of Karachi (KU) administration. The meeting, chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Iraqi, was intended to clarify the syllabus and scheme of studies. However, it quickly dissolved into chaos when principals raised concerns regarding the examination system and academic structure.
The Core Dispute: Semester vs. Bi-annual System The primary bone of contention remains the transition from the traditional annual system to the Semester System mandated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Prof. Nasir Iqbal, Principal of Adamjee Science College and convener of the regional committee, stated that while HEC guidelines require a semester system, KU has instead introduced a “Bi-annual” system. The principals are demanding a one-year deferment of the Bi-annual system, followed by a complete shift to the semester system, allowing colleges to conduct 50% of the internal exams themselves.
The University’s Stance On the other hand, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Iraqi maintained that the university had already deferred the Bi-annual system for a year at the request of the College Education Department. He clarified that while HEC provides guidelines, universities make final decisions through their Academic Councils and Syndicates. He expressed that while he is personally available to resolve syllabus-related grievances, the university cannot simply overlook its own administrative protocols.
Administrative Hurdles and Boycott The principals expressed frustration over bureaucratic “red tape,” alleging they are frequently redirected between the Affiliation Office, Dean’s Office, and Departmental Chairs without any resolution to their academic queries. Prof. Nasir Iqbal added that they were forced to boycott as the Vice Chancellor was unwilling to consider their recommendations. The session also saw moments of friction when the KU administration objected to the presence of certain college teachers who were not officially principals. The meeting ended without any consensus, leaving the future of thousands of ADP students in a state of uncertainty.
