Dispute Over Building: Historic Govt
Post Graduate College Mardan
(Mardan College) on the brink of
collapse as Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) illegally occupies half of its premises.
Article By: Chief Ikramuddin
Govt Post Graduate College Mardan, commonly referred to as Mardan College, has a rich educational heritage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the third oldest college in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Edwardes College Peshawar (1900) and Post Graduate College Abbottabad (1944). Its inception dates back to 1952 as Akbar Memorial College in honour of Nawabzada Akbar Khan of Hoti, the landlord who donated land for it. It was later renamed to Degree College Mardan as the teachers of the college bought the land from the landlord through public funding. Upgraded to a Post Graduate level institution in 1975, the college name was renamed Post Graduate College Mardan. It has played a pivotal role in providing affordable, quality education to the entire region especially the districts of Mardan, Dir, Nowshera, Bajaur, Mohmand, Charsadda, Malakand, Swabi, Buner and Swat etc as well as Afghan students.
However, the trajectory of Mardan College’s legacy took an unexpected turn in 2009 when Chief Minister Haider Hoti announced the establishment of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) during a public meeting at Mardan College’s football ground. He announced to start the University in Mardan College as he could not wait till the construction of a new campus. As part of facilitating the infant university, almost half of the college building, including about 50 classrooms, many offices, 3 hostels, anp iconic mosque of Mardan, Athletics ground, Basketball Court and Volleyball Court etc of Mardan College, were temporarily handed over to AWKUM. The rationale was to expedite the university’s launch while its own infrastructure was under construction at Palato village near Sheikh Maltoon Town Mardan.
The temporary allocation was a strategic move to kickstart the university, providing a ready-made building to accommodate academic operations. The agreement was contingent on AWKUM vacating the premises once its own facilities were established. The understanding, mutually agreed upon by the Secretary Higher Education of NWFP (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province), Commissioner Mardan, Chief Planning Officer of Higher Education Department, the Vice-Chancellor, and the Principal, also entailed that any constructions undertaken by the university in the occupied space would be transferred to Mardan College. Notably, the beautiful "Zubaida” Mosque and the Athletics "Gol” Ground allocated to AWKUM were meant for shared use by both institutions, even during the temporary occupation (which was and is not followed for 14 years of occupation).
Despite multiple directives issued by the government, including letters from the Commissioner Mardan, Chief Planning Officer, Advisor to Minister Higher Education, and the Deputy Commissioner Mardan between 2017 and 2021, AWKUM continues its illegal occupancy of almost half of Mardan College’s building. The Chief Planning Officer along with Director Higher Education visited and warned the administration of AWKUM about vacating the premises of Mardan College in November 2023. This prolonged occupation has created dire consequences for the college, resulting in severe space constraints. The current situation forces the college administration to utilise available halls, lawns, and even the new mosque for conducting classes. The strain on resources divides students into morning and afternoon shifts, significantly undermining the quality of education and the overall academic environment. There are shortages of common rooms and other spaces for female students to relax and socialise. The hostels of Mardan College are occupied by AWKUM and the students from far flung areas are facing difficulties especially financial, hygienic and psychological issues as they stay at private hostels and mosques etc.
The prolonged dispute has triggered a groundswell of protests from students supported civil society organisations, and various political and community leaders as well as most recently by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Professors Lecturers Association. The demand for the return of Mardan College’s building has gained momentum, garnering support from many influential figures of Mardan. Additionally, various civil society groups, including Mardan Press Club, Mardan Youth Parliament, Mardanwal Khalaq volunteers, Voice of Mardan, Pak Watan organisation, and Mardan Chamber of Small Traders, have echoed the demand for the immediate resolution of the issue.
The latest intervention by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government through a committee directed AWKUM to return the Academic Block of the building to Mardan College in August 2023 while and the hostels, Mosque and Grounds by November 30, 2023. However, the VC of AWKUM has ignored government notices and letters and still hangs on to the occupation.
The situation leaves around 5,000 students, including 500 females, grappling with an inadequate educational environment. The discrepancy in BS Semester fees between Mardan College (approximately 7,000 rupees) and AWKUM (ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 rupees) underscores the urgency to resolve the issue. The continued occupation threatens the affordability and accessibility of quality education for the people of Mardan.
The protracted conflict demands immediate government action to implement their own decision to the return of Mardan College’s building. Restoring the premises to Mardan College would significantly benefit an estimated 10,000 students, addressing the critical need for accessible, affordable higher education. Urgent infrastructural repairs, funding for facilities, furniture, and essential roadwork are indispensable to reviving Mardan College to its former glory and educational excellence. AWKUM has a fully functional campus near Sheikh Maltoon Town Mardan and their students can be accommodated there.
Instead of mere letters, for ignoring government directives and making a mockery of the government’s writ, the provincial and district administration should use their resources including police to vacate the College premises before it’s too late and a law and order situation is created for them by the protesting students if they take law into their own hands. The impassioned plea from students, civil society organisations, and community leaders reverberates across Mardan—the time for resolution is now. The government’s swift and definitive action is crucial in restoring Mardan College’s rightful premises, ensuring a brighter educational future for the region and upholding the legacy of accessible quality education for generations to come.