APAUP Requests Revision in Admissions Threshold For ‘Architecture Program’

News Desk

Islamabad: In the wake of the acute need for preparing qualified architects, the recent restriction on intake for the Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) program has cast shadows over the sector as well as aspiring architects’ futures, said Association of Private Sector Universities Pakistan (APSUP) Chairman Dr Abdul Rehman.

In a letter addressed to federal ministers for planning and development, education and professional development, and chairman Pakistan Council of Architecture and Town Planning; Dr Abdul Rehman urged a revision in the intake limit for annual admissions in the architecture programs.

He stated that there is ample evidence that B. Arch programs at institutions all around Pakistan have effectively worked to elevate the profession by turning out qualified architects, including some who have achieved international renown.

However, the current restriction on admission is having a significant negative financial impact on the institutions, as the drop in admission from 60 to 45 results in annual losses for each of these institutes of several million rupees.

Dr Rehman informed that a lot of architecture departments in the private sector are considering ending their degree programs because they are no longer able to sustain them financially.

APSUP Chairman further urged that the relevant authorities should be aware of the needs of the industry and permit universities in Pakistan to run this program in accordance with the previous practise because this restriction is comparable to restricting a thriving profession with the greatest employment potential in Pakistan and abroad.

He further said that the ongoing rehabilitation due to floods requires expert architects who can provide maximum utility to homeowners and ensure sustainability in design and space utilization.

The growing population and urbanisation in Pakistan have also amplified the demand for housing and subsequent infrastructural facilities, creating a high demand for expert town planners and architects, Dr Abdul Rehman added.