Recently, an acquaintance shared with us a deeply disturbing account concerning her niece, who has found herself trapped in an academic predicament related to her thesis. According to her, the student has been repeatedly pressed to submit a paper and, more alarmingly, a substantial sum of money is allegedly being demanded by individuals acting as assistants to a faculty member. Whether isolated or symptomatic of a larger malaise, such allegations are profoundly troubling.
Academic excellence cannot flourish in an environment poisoned by fear and exploitation. Universities must remain places where merit, transparency and integrity prevail over greed and abuse.
Dr Intikhab Ulfat
Karachi
