The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to sell surplus land from three universities and the Abdul Wali Khan Medical Complex in the Mardan district. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and education experts, who see it as detrimental to the future of the youth.
In a statement released on Sunday, KP’s Minister for Higher Education, Meena Khan Afridi, confirmed the sale of land belonging to Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Agriculture University Mardan, Engineering University Mardan, and Abdul Wali Khan Medical Complex. The minister clarified that only the excess land will be sold to settle debts amounting to 25 billion rupees.
Afridi emphasized that rumors about selling land from all government universities in KP are unfounded. However, institutions with outstanding dues will see their extra land sold to clear these liabilities.
Also Read: Sixth Day of Clashes in Kurram District Leaves 44 Dead, 176 Injured
According to Afridi, a committee has been formed per the Supreme Court's directive to assess the exact debt of each university and determine the amount of land to be sold accordingly.
The financial crisis facing almost all government-run universities in KP has led to significant disruptions. Out of 34 universities in the province, 20 are currently without vice-chancellors, and both faculty and administrative staff frequently protest over various issues.
Dr. Fazal Rahim Marwat, former Vice-Chancellor of Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, criticized the decision, stating that ample land is crucial for modern education and research. He warned that selling university land would negatively impact the educational system, given the increasing number of students.
Marwat argued that the provincial government should prioritize selling large government office properties instead of educational land, considering the latter's long-term significance.
The Awami National Party (ANP) has outright rejected the decision. Former Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti demanded the government reverse its decision during a press conference at the Mardan Press Club on Monday. Hoti questioned the provincial government's commitment to educational development, calling the sale of university assets contradictory to the proclaimed educational emergency.
Hoti urged the government not to jeopardize the future of students, emphasizing that students from across the province study in these institutions. He also called on the public to unite against this decision.
Protesters at the press conference held banners with slogans like "We Reject Education Hostility" and "ANP Built Educational Institutions, We Will Defend Them."
Despite the backlash, Minister Afridi defended the decision, stating that according to Higher Education Commission rules, 100 to 120 kanals of land are required for a university, and the current landholdings are sufficient. The surplus land will first be offered to original owners at market rates, and if they decline, it will be auctioned.
This controversial move by the KP government has ignited a fierce debate on the priorities and future direction of educational development in the province.
