Several students wounded while protesting for online exams

Many injuries were reported after a private university’s guards allegedly baton-charged students protesting against on-campus exams in Lahore. According to the details, many students gathered outside a private university and tried to get in by pushing the security guards. In a scuffle between students and security officials, seven students were reportedly injured. Out of them two students were shifted to Jinnah Hospital Lahore in critical condition.

Meanwhile, students in Faisalabad also staged a protest on Sheikhupura-Faisalabad road. After failed negotiations with the administration, students were thrashed by Punjab Police resulting into several injuries and arrests. The police have asked the protesting students to hold talks with the varsity administration.

Whereas, students have also protested outside HEC, Islamabad demanding cancellation of on-campus examination. They said the institutes have closed their hostels and the students of other cities did not have any place to live. How can we prepare for on-campus examinations when we were taught online? the students questioned.

Spokesperson of a Private university said that the university was bound to follow directions given by the HEC (Higher Education Commission). He said that the university on directions of government and HEC had held online exams in the past and would continue to follow guidelines issued by competent authority.

While Federal Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood Tweeted, “Some university students are demanding that their exams should be online as they have been studying online. This is a decision for the universities to make but I have asked HEC to consult VCs and see if it is possible given special circumstances this year. Universities should also assess whether they have the technical ability to conduct exam for ALL students. No one can be left behind. It is also necessary to ensure that online exam system is not misused to get easy grades. Preparing good question papers/ assessment is important.”