PESHAWAR (Salman Yousafzai): The administration of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Mardan has imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on more than 100 students for allegedly setting off firecrackers in the hostel.
According to a notification issued by the university administration on Thursday, firecrackers were set off in the Malik Ahmed Khan Boys Hostel of UET Mardan on January 19. This action violated university rules and posed a threat to the safety and security of the students. Consequently, a fine of Rs 2,000 has been imposed on 101 students residing in the hostel. The administration has instructed that the fines be paid by January 30; otherwise, the students will not be permitted to remain in the hostel.
The students affected by this decision have expressed significant concerns, labelling the administration’s action as collective punishment. They argue that this is the third time in the past two months that all students have been fined substantial amounts for similar incidents, without any clear investigation. Many students were on vacation or not present in the hostel at the time of the incident.
The impacted students noted that they are dealing with financial difficulties and are under considerable mental stress due to the accumulation of heavy fines. They have requested that, if any wrongdoing has occurred, the administration should identify the individuals responsible through CCTV footage and take action only against them, arguing that it is unjust to punish all students collectively.
Furthermore, the students revealed that fines of Rs 5,000 per student had previously been imposed three times in the past month and a half. They have called on Provincial Minister for Higher Education Meena Khan Afridi to take notice of this situation and take immediate action, or else they may be forced to drop out of school.
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