Dr. Arif Alvi, President of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), has authorised the university to refund $11,270 to a student who dropped out 15 years ago. According to accounts, NUST kept the amount rather than returning it.

The President chastised NUST for mismanagement and unlawful fee retention. In 2022, the President was made aware of the situation. Dr. Alvi emphasised that NUST is a government-run institution, not a for-profit corporation. Any provision in the prospectus of NUST must be legal.

He asserted that no policy or code of conduct can override Pakistan’s constitutional provisions that protect the rights of individuals and prevent exploitation. Dr. Alvi called NUST’s refusal to pay student fees exploitative and dishonest.

The President emphasised that the student’s provisional acceptance could not be changed to final admission because NUST had already filled the vacant seat with another student. Refusing to reimburse the fees constituted coercion and confiscation. He emphasised that the student is entitled to a reimbursement if admission is not finalised and NUST suffers no financial loss.

Also read: Balochistan Launches Digital Intermediate Exam System