Riphah Students Protest Over Rising Fees, Extended Class Timings
Students say repeated fee increases and extended academic schedules are putting additional financial and logistical pressure on families, transport arrangements and daily routines, while pledging to continue their protest peacefully.
ISLAMABAD: Students at Riphah International University in Islamabad have raised concerns over what they describe as repeated increases in semester fees and changes to academic timings, calling on the university administration to review the measures and address their grievances.
The concerns emerged alongside a student protest at the university, with circulating footage showing a large number of students gathered inside the campus. Students say their objections are not limited to fees but also involve class schedules and the impact of extended hours on transportation and family responsibilities.
According to a statement being circulated by students, classes have been extended until 5:00 PM, while students also referred to an exit time of 12:30 PM. They argue that the scheduling arrangement creates difficulties for students who depend on shared or university-linked transport.
Students gave the example of someone whose classes end at 3:00 PM but whose transport may not depart until 5:00 PM because other passengers have classes later in the day. They say this can leave students waiting on campus for extended periods and disrupt family commitments, personal responsibilities and daily routines.
Students Raise Concerns Over Rising Fees
The protesting students have also highlighted the cost of education as a major concern, alleging that fees continue to rise every semester.
They argue that repeated increases are placing growing pressure on households that may already be struggling to meet university expenses. Students also claim that some parents have had to approach university offices seeking extensions in fee-payment deadlines because of financial constraints.
One sentiment highlighted in the students’ statement is that some had expected their financial burden to ease as they progressed through their degrees, whereas they now believe the opposite is happening.
Students have also invoked Riphah’s stated emphasis on Islamic values, arguing that principles such as justice, compassion and consideration should be reflected in policies affecting students and their families.
At the same time, the students stressed that their campaign is intended to remain peaceful.
“We are not asking for conflict. We will protest peacefully until our concerns are heard and our demands are addressed,” the students’ statement said.
The claims regarding the revised timings, frequency and extent of fee increases, and individual accounts concerning requests for payment extensions represent the students’ position and require confirmation from the university administration.
A response from Riphah International University would be important to establish the rationale behind the reported scheduling arrangements and fee revisions, as well as any relief, scholarship or financial-assistance mechanisms available to affected students.
