SMIU observes 142nd Foundation Day of Sindh Madressatul Islam

KARACHI, Sep 01 (APP): The 142nd Foundation Day of Sindh Madressatul Islam (SMI) was celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal on Tuesday at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU).

Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo inaugurated the anniversary celebrations by opening an exhibition showcasing the historical journey of SMI, held to mark the institution’s 142nd Foundation Day. Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, briefed him on the historical events and achievements displayed at the exhibition.

Subsequently, while addressing the main Foundation Day ceremony Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said that it is a matter of great honour and pride for him to participate in the anniversary of an institution that, in his view, has traversed a long educational journey and whose services to the field of education are unforgettable.

The minister said that the educational journey of this institution is, in fact, a journey through history, and it is the aspiration of us all that the institution continues to progress further. “This journey spanning 142 years—from September 1, 1885, to September 1, 2026, is no ordinary feat,” the minister said and added that this institution stands tall with undiminished grandeur, advancing confidently with each passing day.  The manner in which this seat of learning has integrated quality education, research, and modern knowledge into its mission is precisely what establishes its credibility.

Ismail Rahoo was of the view that he considers it most appropriate to state that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, a great alumnus of SMI, along with others such as Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, Sir Abdullah Haroon, Sir Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah, Muhammad Ayub Khuhro, and thousands of other students, took up the reins of the Pakistan Movement and established the great country of Pakistan. “No other institution in the subcontinent holds this distinction; it belongs solely to Sindh Madressatul Islam,” the minister remarked.

Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said currently, alongside its school and college sections, the institution is serving the nation as a university; this demonstrates that its progress has not stalled but rather advanced, and it has not only maintained its significance but further enhanced it.

He extended congratulations to the Vice Chancellor of SMIU Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, as well as the faculty and other staff, on the Foundation Day of this institution.

In his speech, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai expressed his gratitude to Provincial Minister Muhammad Ismail Rahoo and other guests for attending the ceremony. He extended congratulations to the entire nation, as well as to SMIU, on the anniversary of this historic institution.

He stated that the entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to Hassanally Effendi for laying the foundation of this modern educational institution 142 years ago- a move that reflects his deep commitment to the nation and his visionary foresight.

He added that another major hallmark of this institution is its distinguished alumni, foremost among whom is the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai announced that the ‘Hassanally Effendi Research Center’- named after the institution’s founder-would be established at SMIU; the center will house the Hassanally Effendi Chair and facilitate both research and executive training activities.

He further announced that the ‘Hassanally Effendi Award’ would soon be presented to SMIU’s outstanding teacher, officer, researcher, and student.

On this occasion, SMIU’s faculty member and Assistant Professor Wafa Mansoor Buriro, as well as an alumnus of SMI Waseem Hashmi and other students, expressed their views and praised the role of SMI in modern education. A group of student from SMIU Model School also presented a tableau. Short documentaries carrying views of employees and alumnus of SMI were also screened.

Later on Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, along with Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, and other heads of the university, also cut the cake for the Sindh Madressatul Islam anniversary.