LUMS distributes free internet devices amongst students on financial aid

The Lahore University of Management and Sciences (LUMS) has sent internet devices to those students who are studying at the university on need-based scholarship.

Wardah Noor, a student of LUMS shared the news, which went viral on social media.

Noor shared: “LUMS sent internet devices with free data of (75GB/ month) to the students on full financial aid.”

She shared that she was concerned about the internet package given that she doesn’t have a job and her father’s pension is Rs 25,000.

I was particularly concerned about internet package when I came back home as I don't have any job rn and my father's pension is 25k. With this amount, we cannot really afford an internet connection worth unlimited data. (2)

— Wardah Noor (@wardahn00r) June 29, 2020

This initiative is being appreciated because the university — LUMS — has identified a major issue and took action without any requests from deserving students. People are also urging the administration of other universities to learn from this initiative and facilitate their students.

We even didn't put forward this request. I'd have requested them otherwise considering the situation we all are in. They recognised the issue and worked on it before anyone pointed it out. I appreciate this and I absolutely loved this initiative (3)

— Wardah Noor (@wardahn00r) June 29, 2020

Great move by LUMS to send internet devices with data to students on scholarship. Other universities should learn from this & perhaps @hecpkofficial can have universities implement this https://t.co/FIV8xtFxtw

— Usama Khilji (@UsamaKhilji) June 29, 2020

This is a fantastic gesture by @LifeAtLUMS ! So many students from underserved regions are suffering because of lack of funds or connectivity and are falling behind in online classes! This will be of great help https://t.co/89jNEXO4gV

— Nayab Jan (@NayabGJan) June 29, 2020

This development has come when a large number of students across the country were protesting against online classes due to internet connectivity issues.

Many students from far-flung and remote areas like Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Kashmir, Sindh and Balochistan have been protesting because they do not have an internet connection. In some cases, students have to travel more than 25 kilometres to take online classes.

Picture 1: Students from Balochistan climbing a mountain to get signals for attending a class

Picture 2: Students in Quetta being arrested for demanding termination of online classes and provision of internet

Welcome to Naya Pakistan!#ReleaseAllStudents#SayNoToOnlineClasses pic.twitter.com/E2YKNvhWSm

— Raza Gillani ☭ (@Raza_Shabina) June 24, 2020

Furthermore, more than 60 students were arrested by police in Quetta for a peaceful demonstration against internet connectivity issue. Later on, they were released on the same day.

BREAKING
Dozens of students arrested in Quetta for protesting against online classes & demanding internet for all. Police used brutal force against protesters.
Muzammil, Convenor SAC says police is going to book students for violating section 144 at City & Cantt stations. pic.twitter.com/YywciDGRC1

— Voicepk.net (@voicepkdotnet) June 24, 2020