Students seek co-education system

Tuesday, September 16, 2008 Bureau report PESHAWAR: The Islamian Action Council, a conglomeration of various student organisations of the Islamia College, Monday called for introducing co-education in the Islamia College University. Speaking at a news conference, students’ representatives Abu Bakar, Daulat Khan and Khalil said some students and teachers were opposing co-education in the university, adding the government should take note of the matter. They questioned how girls could be deprived of getting education here when their mothers and sisters sold their jewellery to contribute to the construction of this leading educational institution of North Westren Frontier Province. Speakers also sought the construction of more buildings for hostels and different departments to accommodate the students, saying the existing building was insufficient after the opening of the Islamia College University there. “Therefore, we request the NWFP governor and chief minister to allocate funds for the new construction as well as separate hostels for girls,” the students added.Students said the government should restore quota for the old students in the University because old Islamians had rights to get seats in the university alongside the college. The students called upon the government to stop bombing in Bajaur, Waziristan and Swat and solve the problems through negotiations, saying the government should not succumb to each and every demand of the United States. They said the jirga system is the best available solution to the crises.They accused the Islamia Collegiate School principal of corruption and misusing his authority and demanded of the government to remove him.