$36m Balochistan Scholarship Under Scrutiny as Students Protest Outside Health Services Academy
$36m Balochistan Scholarship Under Scrutiny as Students Protest Outside Health Services Academy
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: Balochistan students enrolled under a World Bank funded scholarship programme staged a protest outside the Health Services Academy, blocking the main gate and demanding clarity over their academic future, as concerns grow over the status of their two-year programme.
Chanting slogans and holding placards, the protesting students said they were brought for a nursing degree but are now being asked to accept a certificate instead. “We were brought here with the promise of a degree, but now we are being told to accept a certificate,” one student said during the protest. They added that they were sent by the Government of Balochistan under an internationally funded scholarship and have been facing uncertainty for the past two years.
The students also highlighted internal confusion, claiming that Vice Chancellor Shehzad Ali Khan and the registrar were giving different statements regarding their qualification status. “We have been made to suffer for two years, and now we are simply asking to be given our degree,” the protesting students said, demanding immediate resolution.
According to the students, around 150 scholarships were initially announced for allied health and nursing related programmes, but only about 126 to 127 students are currently enrolled. They said the programme was presented as a proper two year Associate Degree Programme, which would allow them to continue studies from the fifth semester after completion.
Students alleged that they were first placed in 15 departments, which were later merged into 7, as some programmes were not fully operational. They said they repeatedly approached university officials regarding registration with relevant councils, including the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council and allied health bodies, but received only verbal assurances without clear documentation.
They further claimed that confusion continues over the nature of their qualification, with different officials describing it as a certificate, diploma, or degree. Students said this lack of clarity could affect their ability to secure jobs or pursue higher education.
During the protest, students demanded a recognized Associate Degree, issuance of transcripts, provision of NOC for further studies, and proper registration with relevant councils. They also called for transparency regarding the agreement under which they were admitted.
The students urged the Chief Minister of Balochistan, the World Bank, HEC, Federal Minister and other authorities to review the programme, ensure accountability, and protect the academic future of those enrolled. They emphasized that their protest would continue until a clear and official resolution is provided.
