- Advertisement -
KARACHI, Jul 17 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), the alma mater of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, continues to uphold its historic legacy by producing future leaders, promoting research, and maintaining the highest academic standards.
He expressed these views while addressing the 6th convocation of SMIU. The event was attended by Governor Mohammad Kamran Tessori, Chairman Sindh Higher Education Commission Dr. S.M. Tariq Rafi, Chairman Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice Chancellor SMI Dr. Mujeebuddin Sahrai Memon, faculty members, dignitaries, students, and their proud parents.
The Chief Minister began by congratulating the university on producing its first Ph.D. graduate, Abdullah Ayub, and praised Vice Chancellor Dr. Sahrai for streamlining postgraduate programs. “This is a major academic milestone for the institution,” he remarked. He also emphasised the need for public and private universities to uphold rigorous standards in Ph.D. programs, noting that such degrees reflect both individual merit and institutional credibility.
Calling the convocation a moment of pride and achievement, Shah said, “Today belongs to the students. You have worked hard and made sacrifices to reach this point. Your journey is inspiring, and I wholeheartedly congratulate each graduate, he added.”
Highlighting SMIU’s illustrious heritage, the Chief Minister described the university as a symbol of national pride, counting among its alumni historic figures such as Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, Sir Abdullah Haroon, Allama I.I. Kazi, and Hanif Mohammad. He paid tribute to its founder, Khan Bahadur Hassanally Effendi and said that the university’s 140-year-old legacy continues to shape Pakistan’s intellectual and civic landscape.
Praising the university’s recent achievements, the Chief Minister noted that SMIU had turned its financial deficit into surplus despite economic challenges. “This is a rare accomplishment in today’s inflationary environment,” he said. He lauded the institution’s rapid growth, including the tripling of student enrollment and the development of modern academic facilities like a Hi-Tech Computer Lab, an Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, the Allama I.I. Kazi Library, and the Prof. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi Youth Development Centre.
Shah commended the vibrant student society structure at SMIU, which fosters leadership, creativity, and civic engagement through activities in debate, literature, science, arts, community service, and environmental awareness.
The CM also appreciated the university’s global academic outlook, citing its organisation of eleven international conferences under two Global Research Congresses, which addressed critical global issues including climate change, AI, and education reform.
Referring to future expansion, the Chief Minister shared that the new Malir Campus of SMIU, situated on 100 acres in Education City, is expected to host up to 40,000 students. “This campus will not only expand access to quality education but also uplift the local economy through employment generation,” he said. He assured full support from the Sindh government for the university’s ongoing development.
In his closing remarks to the graduates, the Chief Minister urged them to stay curious, compassionate, and committed to public service. “Your success is the success of Sindh. Your dreams are the aspirations of Pakistan,” he said.
Murad Shah concluded by congratulating the graduates and their families and commended Dr. Sahrai and his team for organising a successful convocation.