Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi has intervened to request Air University to reconsider the case of a student who was unable to complete her degree due to COVID-19. Expressing dissatisfaction over the university’s handling of the matter, the President pointed out that the Higher Education Commission’s (HEC) policies and university regulations provide remedies for such situations by granting extensions.
President Alvi emphasized that the university should adhere to the HEC’s policy and recommendations. He noted that the university’s actions, including submitting a representation to the President, have implications for public funds and the student’s study timeline. The President urged Air University to support and guide students, particularly in cases like this, emphasizing the importance of not allowing the student’s efforts and investments to go to waste.
These directives were issued in response to a representation filed by Air University, challenging an order from the Wafaqi Mohtasib, which directed the university to review the case of Ms. Iqra Munir. The order suggested allowing her an additional year to complete her Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Psychology.
Iqra Munir, the complainant, explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was unable to complete her degree in 2020. She had initially sought the university’s support, but they advised her to contact HEC for an extension. After a year without any extension, she turned to the Wafaqi Mohtasib, who ruled in her favor. Air University then filed a representation with the President against the Mohtasib’s order.
The President’s decision rejected the university’s representation, emphasizing that the university did not follow HEC recommendations or put the case before the University Functional Committee (UFC), which had the authority to make a decision. He highlighted the fact that the student’s illness from COVID-19 had created an exceptional circumstance. He pointed out that according to HEC Policy Guidelines, the maximum time limit to complete a degree is 6 years, extendable for one year with the approval of statutory bodies. The President urged the university to take timely action to resolve such matters.
President Alvi stressed the high cost of education in Pakistan, in terms of both financial investment and student dedication, and called for measures to facilitate students, particularly women, who have invested significantly in their education. He directed the university to support the complainant in accordance with HEC policy and recommendations without further delay.