University of Karachi admission policy

As per the prospectus of the University of Karachi, “according to the approval of the Academic Council, the admissions to Bachelor’s and Master’s Programmes in University of Karachi are granted in accordance with merit under the categories K (Karachi), S (Sindh) as well as P (Pakistan). The preference in admission will be given to “K” category applicants. If the empty seats are left, “S” category candidates are deliberated. If seats are still available, then deliberation is given to the candidates of “P” category.

A lot of socio-political parties, organizations as well as groups have continuously criticized this policy, saying that it is not just against the Act of the University however it is also against the constitution of the country.

The section 6 of the University of Karachi Act 1972 says that: “The University shall be open to all persons of either sex and of whatever religion, race, creed, class or colour and no person shall be denied the privileges of the University on the grounds of religion, race, caste, creed, class or colour.”

Likewise, Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973 says: “No resident shall be denied admission to any educational institute receiving the support from public income on the grounds just of race, religion, caste or the birth place.”

Owing to public censure as well as the demand, the Government of Sindh modified the University of Karachi Act 1972 in 2013 under the “Sindh Universities Laws (Amendment) Act 2013”. Its second section reads as follows: “After section 6, section 6-A shall be put in. The policy of admission of the University over-all, comprising of its constituent colleges, institutes as well as the centres, shall be followed as determined by the Government from time to time in order to deliver the same opportunities to all the aspirants of Sindh.”

Two years have passed since the portrayal of the above modification however neither the government of Sindh nor the Academic Council of the University of Karachi has made any changes in the present policy.

This initial policy is ultra vires of the very Act of the University and likewise to the constitution of Pakistan. Furthermore, it requires to be eradicated instantly.