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KARACHI, Jan 01 (APP):The University of Karachi hosted a grand reception at its Silver Jubilee Gate to welcome the 75th batch of students. The event, jointly organized by the KU and Unikarian International, the distinguished alumni of the University of Karachi, extends a warm welcome to the newcomer students from the main entry gate till the reception ceremony held in the parking lot next to the Administration Building on Thursday.
The University Day celebrations began with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Huffaz. Before entering through the main gate, they recited verses and then proceeded in procession along with the new entrants and other participants to the assembly point near the Administration Building.
The reception was headed by the KU’s Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, the Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission Professor Dr Tariq Rafi, the President Arts Council (Karachi) Mohammad Ahmed Shah, the President Unikarian International Professor Ejaz Ahmed Faruqi, Director General National Institute of Public Administration Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman.
On this occasion, the KU’s Registrar Professor Dr Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, the deans of different faculties, President Karachi University Teachers’ Society Syed Ghufran Alam, members of Syndicate and Senate, city dignitaries, faculty, and a large number of administrative staff were also present to host the reception for the KU’s 75th batch of students.
A formal ceremony was addressed by Professor Dr Tariq Rafi, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, Mohammad Ahmed Shah, Professor Ejaz Faruqi, Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman, President KUTS Syed Ghufran, and the Students’ Advisor Dr Nausheen Raza. Dr Syed Asim Ali conducted the proceedings and shed detailed light on the history of the University of Karachi.
The speakers informed the new batch of students that higher education is not merely the attainment of a degree, but the foundation of personality development, character building, and national progress.
The Chairman Sindh HEC Professor Dr Tariq Rafi emphasized that the KU is one of Pakistan’s largest universities, with graduates who have earned distinction nationally and internationally.
He noted the significant rise in female admissions in recent years, particularly in medicine, due to merit-based entry. However, he expressed concern that over 50 percent of female medical graduates do not enter professional practice, calling it both an individual and national loss. He urged female students to apply their education in practical fields.
The President of Arts Council Karachi Mohammad Ahmed Shah highlighted that parents are the true heroes whose sacrifices enable access to higher education.
Addressing students, he said that you are the hope of your parents, so do not disappoint them. He expressed joy at the growing trend of girls pursuing higher education and proving themselves as pillars of support for their families. He stressed that while Pakistan faces many challenges, solutions must be found collectively, as the country belongs to all.
The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi stated that Pakistan still lags behind developed nations in education and must focus on quality learning.
He emphasized that only societies built on justice can guarantee progress, urging students to cultivate tolerance, dialogue, and respect for differing opinions.
He mentioned that the KU does not merely award degrees but also nurtures intellectual, moral, and social growth. The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi added that Pakistan should be viewed not just through criticism but through its potential for progress, as national identity is inseparable from Pakistan.
The President of Unikarian Professor Ejaz Faruqi proudly noted that even if all research papers published across Pakistan’s universities were combined, they would still be fewer than those produced at the KU.
He told students that positive transformation in personality begins during their time at the KU, felt not only by themselves but also by those around them, as the KU shapes complete individuals, not just graduates.
The DG NIPA Dr Syed Saif-ur-Rehman recalled the KU’s founding in 1951 and its pivotal role in the constructive and cultural development of Karachi and Pakistan. He described the KU as a source of national pride, with every graduate representing a promise of a brighter future.
The President KUTS Syed Ghufran Alam pointed out that only about 10 percent of Pakistan’s population gains access to universities, making admission to the KU both an honor and a privilege. He urged students to make full use of this opportunity and contribute to national development beyond personal interests.
The KU Students’ Advisor Dr Nausheen Raza elaborated on the KU’s ongoing curricular and co-curricular activities and briefed participants about the objectives and functions of student societies operating under the Advisor’s Office.