The issue of online classes has caused a lot of problems for many students as well as parents who have to make sure that they accommodate their children. The banter between Twitteraties and netizens has called out HEC on multiple occasions; however, just to their luck, it isn’t of any such use as of yet.
In addition, when we bring into consideration the northern areas, online classes, and internet services tend to take an even more dire and twisted turn. Recently, students residing in Gilgit Baltistan are calling out the imposition of online classes; by bringing forward the issues they have been facing. They are being forced to study under continuous extraneous situations, where they might have to walk for hours and miles, just for the sake of accessing internet services.
Students of Gilgit Baltistan are facing problems due to poor and lack of internet facilities in the region.#Internet4GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/XNNL5FJGOn
— Wajid Ali (@WajidAli_5) July 6, 2020
A sheer example of internet crises in #GilgitBaltistan where students have to hike up to the mountain tops just to attend their online classes.#Internet4GilgitBaltistan #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/hBX9VOMQeM
— Islamabad (@Islaamabad) July 7, 2020
Gilgit Baltistan students announced boycott of online classes till provision of internet services, said GB students enrolled in various educational institutions in the country had been protesting for last 1 month, demanding better Internet connectivity#Internet4GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/rNxV2keluO
— Yawar Abbas #Internet4GilgitBaltistan (@YawarOfficial) July 6, 2020
The reason why online classes are being protested against is that Pakistan still isn’t in a position to viably opt for online classes provided the weak internet infrastructure. As saddening that is, many students living in the main towns of Gilgit Baltistan, are unable to comprehend the services to a maximum.
Hiking mountains for education!
What makes the situation worse is that students had been asking for a semester break continuously, until the situation of the pandemic was brought under control. It would have made the entire process of studying and learning far more easy than what it has become for these students; moreover, they are likely hiking mountains, risking their lives for the sake of attending these classes.
I have to walk km's daily to attend my classes,I faced net issues many times during my quizies,papers and uploading assignments.
SCO failed to provide internet services in GB.
Let other networks work as well.
#Internet4GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/GXIBsTSCCu— Rasheed Kamil (@RasheedKamil4) July 7, 2020
"Students across Pakistan have been protesting against the shift to online classrooms, rightly pointing out that as students from less urban centers move back home, they either lack access to high-speed internet, or no internet at all." #OnlineClasses #Internet4GilgitBaltistan
— Digital Rights Foundation (@DigitalRightsPK) July 7, 2020
This is how my work from home would look like if I had a working internet in my village Yasin in #GilgitBaltistan!! #Internet4GilgitBaltistan pic.twitter.com/sDF6QR2Hc8
— Basharat Issa (@BasharatIssa) July 6, 2020
Internet access can no longer b considered a privilege but a fundamental right.The enablement/opportunity it provides has a potential 2 break down barriers of entry 2 many an avenue limited only by imagination. U have every right to deman 4 it. #Internet4GilgitBaltistan
— i_m_groot (@yisabsi) July 7, 2020
Just the thought of hiking up a steep, edge cliff or a mountain; just for the sake of classes sounds unamorous and extremely anxious. Now to think, that these students of Gilgit Baltistan are putting their lives in danger just for the sake of getting an education. The idea of online classes is becoming not only drag but also an inconvenience for many people.
Protests against online classes all over Pakistan
Many students across Pakistan are protesting peacefully against the online classes, many are even signing up petitions; however, the outcomes have been so far of no luck. There is no such compensation or relief provided to students as of yet.
In fact, recently, some students were mercilessly locked up by the police in Quetta for protesting against online classes; not only is this act by the police setting up a poor example of our authorities. Rather, it is also showing that there is no room for assistance and aid when needed.
Is this the country we want to show the world we are? Is this what we want people to think about us? We don’t think so. I think it is time, that we start to work on more proficient ways to tackle these problems.
Let’s just hope, HEC takes these issues and problems of Gilgit Baltistan in mind; and provides some much-needed compensation to these poor students. And real soon.
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