Conflicts faced in Pakistani universities and their solutions

1. What are the main conflicts faced by universities in Pakistan?
Suggest any five ways to address conflict and violence among
Pakistani universities.
Conflict basically is a clash in thoughts that create violence among people.
Universities are the noblest places providing opportunity for youngsters to get
specialized and higher education in their desired field of interest. These universities
are the building block of human resource, skilled manpower and social development.
In Pakistani universities, there are lot of conflicts and issues that create hindrance for
students for getting quality education peacefully.
Administration-teachers conflicts
Student politics in universities
Stress over employees
Distribution of funds
Unfair distribution of scholarships
Harassment (gender issues)
Corruption in universities
Injustice/Favor in appointments
Teacher-students issues (monopoly, marks, special favor to somebody)
Plagiarism related issues
Religious extremism (blasphemy)
Lack of accommodation facilities
Transportation related problems
Political interference in management

2. Suggestions: Five ways to address conflict and violence among
Pakistani universities
1. Politics for power
This is the most common conflict that arise time to newspapers and media reports. It
is observed the political leaders need their devotees on key posts to handle/direct
institutions according to their will. In this respect, they yield undue favors in different
aspects like appointments, promotions and fake degrees.
The distribution of powers between universities employees should be on merit or
equality basis. Universities should run on democratic lines so that to avoid conflicts
peacefully. Professors should be honored by giving them other fringe benefits and
facilities, there should be no role of teachers in university politics for
managerial/administrator posts. After completed doctorate Ph.D. degrees many of
professors are interested in executive post rather teaching and research. Universities
governing bodies should bound professors to remain active in teaching, research
studies and students affairs, assist students in best suited way.
2. Harassment
Harassment means to create unpleasant or hostile situation (Webster).
In Pakistani universities, unfair treatment or behavior that forms irritation among
females and with opposite gender is common today.
Harassment conflicts are more exposed through media in recent times which become
a big restriction for female students to get higher education. This is one of the most
highlighted conflicts through Pakistani media, it has not only affected the
environment of universities but also take lives. Some recent issues that are unresolved
till now, including, Fouzia Jamali, a student of the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto
University in Nawabshah and Naila Rind student from University of Sindh,
Jamshoro. There was another example of harassment apprehended in University of
Sindh Jamshoro, it was exposed after an application was written by female students
addressed to higher authorities including CM and CJP.
According to my observation, Sometimes, the causes behind these scenes occur
when female students take unfair advantages like in marks, scholarships etc. There
is no harm in friendship with their facilitators or opposite gender if it is only for the
sake of educational purpose (guidance) and without any persistence of undue favor.
3. Social activities

3. Social activities including co-curriculum activities are the best strategies for young
learner to avoid from conflicts and violence. We can create the unity, tolerance and
respect among students. Co-curriculum activities can help to improve personality of
students, self-confidence, problem solving skills and other various qualities.
Best way to motivate students through awards and certificates.
4. Student politics in universities
Politics is not bad but the people in politics are making is bad. In same way, it is need
of time that our new generation takes part in politics. The role of politics should be
service of people not to abolish the peace among people. The violent politics has
made the bad impact on common people, divert their minds that politics is something
that to take not to give, to interrupt not to facilitate. Politics is thus inextricably linked to
the phenomena of conflict and cooperation. (Aristotle)
Students’ politics are up to class boycotts, strikes and self-benefits rather their soul
meaning.
5. Analyze conflict
Whenever many people gather at one place, it is natural to face conflicts. A doctor
suggests the medication or treatment after diagnose the patient. However, it is the
responsibility of authorities to resolve conflicts on immediate basis. This will help
clarify the specific problem and what should be done to escape in future such
conflicts.
Following questions suggested bylClark University
that may be asked are (Clark University):
What triggered the conflict?
Who are you angry with?
What are you not getting that you want?
What are you afraid of losing?
Is your conflict/anger accurate or over exaggerated?
How can your conflict be resolved?

4. Analyze the reasons that activate conflicts and how to minimize the conflicts.To assist
stakeholders in investigating the history of a conflict and to improve their
understanding of the sequence of events that led to the conflict.