Universities Stopped From Increasing Fee Without Government Permission

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided that any future increase in fees at public universities across the province will now require prior approval from the provincial authorities. The move aims to prevent placing additional financial pressure on students amid rising education costs.

Speaking in Karachi, Minister for Universities and Boards, Muhammad Ismail Rahu, confirmed that universities will not be allowed to increase tuition or other fees without the government’s consent. He explained that the decision was necessary due to growing concerns over affordability in higher education.

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Rahu noted that federal grants for universities have been declining annually, leaving public institutions in Sindh under significant financial strain. In response, the Sindh government has been providing supplementary grants to keep academic operations stable, but the continuous rise in university expenditures has forced some institutions to raise fees.

He emphasized that the provincial government is working to protect students from this burden while maintaining support for the education sector, which remains a key focus of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s vision for public welfare, along with health and other social services.

Rahu also mentioned that a proposal to introduce a new grading system for classes 9 to 12 is under review. Feedback has been received from multiple education boards across the province, and the new system will be implemented once technical issues are addressed.