The University of the Punjab, Lahore, is demanding excessive "thesis evaluation fees" from PhD students. These fees, amounting to several lacs rupees, place an undue financial burden on students and potentially violate their constitutional right to education.

Here's why this is wrong:

Financial Hardship: These exorbitant fees create a barrier to completing PhD studies, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Undue Burden: The core responsibility of thesis evaluation lies with the university, not the students.

Potential Violation: Excessive fees may infringe upon the fundamental right to education enshrined in the Pakistani Constitution.

Broken Trust: At the time of admission, the university failed to inform students about the possibility of significant increases in thesis evaluation fees. Students paid fees based on the understanding presented during admission. The university's current practice is unlawful and unjust.

Our Demands:

The University of the Punjab, Lahore, must immediately abolish these unlawful thesis evaluation fees.
The university should establish a transparent and fair system for thesis evaluation, funded through existing resources.
The government of Pakistan should investigate this practice and ensure universities uphold the right to education for all.

We urge you to sign this petition and share it with your network. Together, we can raise awareness and demand an end to this unfair practice. Let us ensure that financial hardship does not prevent deserving students from completing their PhDs.