WITH the rise in mercury, Peshawar has already experienced a few heatwaves, adding another layer of misery to the life of the hostel residents of Khyber Girls Medical College (KGMC). The heat is unbearable because the administration has switched off most air-conditioners, and is forcing students to move in with strangers living in rooms that still have functional air-conditioners.

Most of the students have refused to do so because it involves not only the hassle of moving heavy luggage, but also the challenge of adjusting to life in a new room with mostly unfamiliar roommates.Given the already demanding academic schedule, such a change would create unnecessary stress. Also, many students have jointly purchased items, like, say, cooking stoves,heaters, air coolers, curtains and carpets, making it difficult to divide the shared belongings and expenses fairly.

Over the last couple of months, the hostel housekeeper and the relevant provost have been exertingrelentless pressure on the students to switch rooms. In their `enthusiasm`, the officials have even threatened the students that their luggage would be thrown out in case they do not follow the `advice`. These threats, repeated frequently, have created a sense of insecurity in the life of the students.

About a week ago, the air-conditioners in common rooms, where multiple students sleep, have also been turned off, adding to the mental and physical exhaustion of students. Many have fainted during heatwaves. This is a serious threat to students` health and wellbeing.

After lengthy, demanding days at the college, students return to the hostelin the hope of getting some rest only to find discomfort and stress. The higher authorities, including the provincial health and education ministers, should intervenebefore thingsgofurthersouth.

Name withheld on request Peshawar